BY GOSHU MELSEW
The Government of Brazil donated food aid and water purifiers for refugees and host communities in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, the nation's largest refugee hosting region accommodating mainly South Sudanese refugees.
During her inaugural visit to Ethiopia, Brazil's First Lady, Janja Lula da Silva, made the donation of 65 water purifiers capable of purifying 5,600 liters per day and 18 tons of food supplies.
At the donation ceremony, Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil said “For Brazil it is a priority to fight against hunger and poverty in Africa. Millions live in shelters and camps all over the world including in Brazil and Ethiopia, facing extreme situations of hunger.”
Jose Solla, General Coordinator of Humanitarian Cooperation at the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), emphasized the aim for these initial actions and future endeavors to benefit both refugees in Ethiopia and the host communities.
The contribution provides essential nutrition and clean water to women, girls, children, and refugees in Gambella camps, including those fleeing conflict in Sudan and South Sudan.
The Director General of Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service Teyiba Hassen said the donation being provided means a lot to those who rely on aid to survive.
UNHCR Representative to Ethiopia, Andrew Mbogori appreciated Brazilian government generosity.
“We hope that this will mark the beginning of a fruitful cooperation with Brazil to advance solutions for refugees and forcibly displaced people in Ethiopia,” he added.
Brazil's timely donation aids the UNHCR and its collaborators in tackling the pressing needs of refugees and host communities amidst the climate crisis, which disrupts food production globally, it was disclosed.