USD 100,000 to support Ethiopian refugee children
Thousands of children have fled the full-scale humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, and taken refuge in Sudan. More than 45,000 people have fled so far. Conflict always affects children the most, therefore the H&M Foundation is providing emergency relief support to Save the Children. The funds will be used in efforts to reunite children with their families, provide shelter, clean water and education.
The current crisis in Ethiopia escalated at the end of 2020 when conflicts erupted between the Ethiopian Federal Government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in Tigray, a region in northern Ethiopia. Because of this, tens of thousands of refugees have crossed the borders to Sudan, fleeing for their lives. According to the UN, the conflict impacts an estimated 2.3 million people across the regions Tigray and the neighbouring regions Amhara and Afar.
“Our team is on site in the refugee camps in Sudan and ensures, among other things, that there are child-friendly places where children can play, learn and be among safe adults.”
Helena Thybell, Secretary General of Save the Children Sweden
Children are always affected the most when conflicts arise. Many children have set off to Sudan without their families, making them especially vulnerable as they easily become victims of trafficking and misconduct. They all have had to leave everything behind – their homes, friends and school – to enter a life of uncertainty. Many have also seen violence or have lost their family members.
Through the H&M Foundation’s donation of $100,000, an emergency school in a new camp in Sudan will be established. The camp, built by the government and UNHCR, will host 10,000 Ethiopian refugees. Save the Children will also secure and provide medicines through a mobile clinic managed by Save the Children.
“Our team is on site in the refugee camps in Sudan and ensures, among other things, that there are child-friendly places where children can play, learn and be among safe adults. We also provide support for unaccompanied children and help reunite children with their families. Thanks to H&M Foundation’s support we can continue the work of protecting children and their families”, says Helena Thybell Secretary General of Save the Children in Sweden.