The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced that up to 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya from Ethiopia in search of safety following ongoing clashes on the Ethiopian side of the border. According to local authorities cited by UNHCR, significant cross-border movements into Moyale had been reported since October 22. The number of people arriving is still subject to verification, but many of those fleeing the violence are women and children.
The UN refugee agency said that food remains the most urgent need, alongside safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation, and health care. Some of the people who had crossed the border were staying with relatives and members of host communities, while others had sought temporary shelter in schools and churches. UNHCR has deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is working with the Kenyan government, through the Department of Refugee Services and county authorities, to coordinate assistance.
The response also involves the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), the Kenya Red Cross Society, and other humanitarian partners. The agency said it was mobilising emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, to support nearly 12,000 people as it works to expand assistance in response to the growing needs.
UNHCR is also supporting ongoing assessments of protection and humanitarian needs. The agency added that it was working with government authorities and humanitarian partners to identify safer accommodation options farther from the border for people fleeing the violence. The movement comes as humanitarian agencies prepare to provide support to thousands of people who may need assistance with basic necessities, protection, and registration.
UNHCR, UNICEF, IOM, and WFP are jointly seeking $8.9 million to support up to 50,000 people who have fled Ethiopia into Kenya over the next three months. The agencies said the funding would facilitate the provision of life-saving assistance, including food, shelter, water, and sanitation, as well as registration and protection services. The proposed support will also cover protection needs affecting children among those displaced by the clashes.
The UNHCR said it was closely monitoring developments along the Kenya-Ethiopia border and coordinating with national and local authorities as more people cross into the country. The agency is working to expand assistance in response to the growing needs, with a focus on providing emergency relief supplies and supporting ongoing assessments of protection and humanitarian needs.
In Kenya, the UNHCR and other humanitarian agencies require Sh1.16 billion to provide life-saving assistance to Ethiopians fleeing war. With many of those fleeing being women and children, concerns are growing over the humanitarian needs in areas receiving the new arrivals.
Key points
- UNHCR seeks Sh1.16bn to aid 50,000 Ethiopians fleeing war to Kenya
- The UN refugee agency requires $8.9 million to support up to 50,000 people who have fled Ethiopia into Kenya over the next three months
- Many of those fleeing the violence are women and children, raising concerns over growing humanitarian needs
