The European Union has announced a €135,000 humanitarian aid contribution to support the urgent needs of irregular migrants affected by Djibouti’s voluntary repatriation programme, launched on 3 April 2025. This funding is intended to assist those impacted by the one-month initiative and ensure access to essential relief services during the operation.
The aid is being channeled through the Djibouti Red Crescent Society (DRCS), which is providing emergency shelter, clean water, food, protection, health, and sanitation support to over 22,000 people. The emergency response project is scheduled to run for three months, concluding at the end of September 2025.
This EU funding forms part of the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) managed by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which focuses on small-scale disasters that do not trigger a formal international appeal. The DREF, established in 1979 and supported by donor contributions, allows National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to access immediate financial support during emergencies, with funds replenished by donors as needed.
The European Union, through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) department, provides assistance worldwide to vulnerable populations affected by conflict and disasters. The EU is also a signatory to a €12 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the IFRC, which enables ECHO to replenish the DREF for approved operations, reinforcing its commitment to global humanitarian solidarity and timely disaster response.
