In Tigray and Afar regions the protection and response operations especially given the ongoing crises in Tigray will focus on key strategic interventions:
Preserve access to the territory in order to seek asylum, including registration and status determination and registration of Eritrean asylum seekers in Tigray and Afar regions. Ensure protection systems are strengthened and refugees and asylum seekers are able to enjoy their rights and maintain the civilian character of asylum.
Enable access to essential services according to minimum international standards; specifically, in regard to safety and security from conflict, child protection, prevention and response to SGBV, access to life-saving health and nutrition services, supply of portable water and satisfactory sanitation/hygiene conditions, education, adequate shelter and provision of core relief items (CRIs). In sectors where possible cash assistance will be considered for some activities especially CRIs and shelter assistance, while maintaining the existing cash support to foster care families as part of child protection response;
Promote community empowerment and self-reliance; strengthen community structures in each camp and surrounding host communities, including - associations of women, youth, and persons with specific needs (disabilities, elderly persons, minority groups, persons with chronic medical conditions etc);
Support host community systems to enhance peaceful coexistence and social cohesion between host communities and refugees which may have been impacted on as a result of the ongoing conflict. These efforts will be necessary given the current situation and the likelihood that the capacity of some local authorities and public services may have been negatively affected by the conflict and would thus need support and capacity strengthening.
2021