Daily Noon Briefing Highlights – 23 November 2020
Ethiopia
The UN remains extremely concerned about the safety of civilians in Tigray region, especially the more than half a million people – including more than 200 aid workers – who remain in Mekelle following the latest information received that fighting might move into the city in the coming hours.
The UN and humanitarian partners in Ethiopia are urgently calling on all parties to the conflict to comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, schools and water systems. All actions shall be guided by the fundamental principles of humanity, necessity, proportionality and distinction.
It is also urgent that all parties to the conflict enable the free and safe movement of affected people in search of safety and assistance, including across international and national borders, regardless of their ethnic identification.
The UN continues to receive reports of internal displacement where more than 38,600 people have now fled to Sudan, including an estimated 17,000 children. The response is scaling up, but the influx of arrivals is outpacing the capacity on the ground and additional funding is urgently needed.
The UN and humanitarian partners in Ethiopia are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict. For this, free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access is urgently needed.
SOURCE: OCHA
