Across Ethiopia, millions of families have been uprooted by conflict, natural disasters, and climate shocks, joining refugees from neighboring countries in a shared search for safety. More than 4.5 million people are internally displaced within Ethiopia, while over a million refugees have crossed borders seeking shelter. Most of these individuals depend heavily on humanitarian aid to meet basic needs, with the European Union and its partners providing emergency assistance to address urgent requirements on the ground.
Displacement in Ethiopia is often driven by natural disasters, particularly in regions like Afar, one of the hottest places on earth. Temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius make access to water and shade a critical need. Earthquakes and volcanic activity have displaced tens of thousands, leaving them in temporary shelters with limited access to clean water, food, and health services. In camps such as Amibara, home to more than 18,000 people, malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and funding shortages intensify the humanitarian crisis. The EU and its partners are scaling up support to help the most vulnerable residents cope with these challenges.
Individual stories highlight the human impact of displacement. Thirty-year-old Amina from Oromia had to leave her home with her four children due to recurring earthquakes. Life in the camp is difficult, but the fear of returning home keeps her in displacement. Humanitarian organizations, supported by EU funding, provide water trucking services, latrines, educational opportunities for children, and safe spaces for women, helping families like Amina’s survive in the camps.
Ethiopia also hosts large numbers of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan. Nearly 100,000 Sudanese have crossed into Ethiopia over the past two years, seeking safety at entry points like the Kurmuk transit centre. Here, refugees receive water, food, shelter, and protection services through EU-funded programs, giving them their first sense of security after enduring violence and perilous journeys. Child-friendly spaces in the centre offer young refugees a chance to play and recover from trauma, highlighting the importance of holistic support in humanitarian response.
Personal accounts underscore the resilience of displaced individuals. Eighty-five-year-old Madabi Mohamed, who is visually impaired, fled Sudan with his granddaughter after hiding in the mountains for nine days. Guided by his granddaughter and a walking stick, he walked for seven days to reach the Ethiopian border. Crossing into Ethiopia brought a profound sense of relief and safety, illustrating the courage and determination of displaced families seeking refuge.
The stories and conditions of displaced people in Ethiopia emphasize the ongoing humanitarian challenges caused by conflict and climate-related disasters. While aid provides essential relief, millions of families continue to face harsh living conditions, underscoring the need for sustained, coordinated support to protect the lives and dignity of those uprooted.
