Critical Humanitarian Situation in Ethiopia - High-level Pledging Event - PR UN, WTO and other organisations Geneva
Critical Humanitarian Situation in Ethiopia - High-level Pledging Event
Pledge on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by H.E. Mr. Paul Bekkers, Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the UN in Geneva
Your Excellencies,
The Kingdom of the Netherlands is gravely
concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Ethiopia,
particularly in areas of food security, nutrition, and disease outbreaks.
This year, we will therefore contribute 23.5 million euros to the response through the Ethiopia Humanitarian Fund, Netherlands Red Cross and the Dutch Relief Alliance. This supplements our unearmarked contributions to the Central Emergency Response Fund, UN-Agencies and the Red Cross Movement.
Let me also emphasize the importance of long-term support, through
development programs. The Netherlands’ ODA-portfolio in Ethiopia is
significant: 185 million euro in 2024 alone, which includes
investments in durable solutions for refugees and host
communities.
With our partners, we are looking for ways to be
flexible in order to also respond to the rising immediate needs. In
that manner, the Netherlands is putting the Humanitarian-Development
Nexus into practice, for example through increased funding to the
national safety net programme.
While affirming our financial
commitments, we strongly urge the Ethiopian government as primary duty
bearer to:
- Acknowledge the significance of the food security problem, and respond accordingly. This also includes allowing for independent assessments such as by the IPC.
- Ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers;
- Facilitate that assistance ends up with those who are most vulnerable and in need;
- And finally, to remove bureaucratic impediments to ensure effective access for humanitarian support.
Ladies and gentlemen,
As was stated by OCHA and the speakers
before me; the needs are immense. That makes today’s event absolutely
crucial. I therefore want to thank the government of Ethiopia and the
UK, as well as OCHA for bringing us together.
I thank you.