Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopia’s Humanitarian Crisis: Shelter and Non-Food Item Prioritization and Response In Ethiopia, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with millions in need of shelter and essential non-food items (NFIs).
As of April 30, 2026, the country hosts 1,076,829 refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly in Gambela, Somali, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions.
The Emergency Shelter and Non — Food Items (ES/NFI) Cluster is aiming to assist 3.
3 million people, of which 51% are children, with a budget of $150. 1 million for adequate shelter and household items.
The Cluster’s focus is on equitable access to shelter solutions for displaced populations, emphasizing dignity and health protection.
However, the situation is dire, as heavy windstorms between April 22–25, 2025, severely impacted the Selekleka IDP site, leading to 450 households losing their shelters entirely.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been instrumental in the response, providing assistance to 87,123 individuals across 16 IDP sites and three area-based approach perimeters in Shire, Endabaguna, and Contested Area 2 in the first quarter of 2026.
The CCCM Cluster has also been actively involved, working to coordinate services and manage sites to ensure the protection and assistance needs of the affected populations are met.
The ES/NFI Cluster’s efforts are critical in addressing the prolonged instability and sustained displacement that have led to the current situation. Many shelter structures have exceeded their intended lifespan, and NFI gaps persist due to a prolonged absence of replenishments.
The Cluster’s second round prioritization of 2025 outlines the specific woredas and activities aimed at meeting the needs of those affected.
The CCCM Cluster’s response strategy for 2024-2026 highlights the comprehensive approach to camp coordination and management, ensuring that services are provided in a principled and relevant manner.
The Annual Report for 2024 provides insights into the achievements, challenges, and progress across Ethiopia, offering a glimpse into the complexity of the situation. Community feedback and referral analysis from January to March 2026 indicate that while progress has been made, there are still significant challenges.
The report details the trends in feedback collection, referral, and outcomes across participating agencies, providing a valuable perspective on the situation on the ground.
The situation in Ethiopia is a complex humanitarian emergency, with the country’s vast population of refugees and IDPs requiring sustained and coordinated efforts from various organizations.
The ES/NFI Cluster and the CCCM Cluster’s work is vital in ensuring that those affected have access to the necessary support to live with health, security, safety, and dignity.
As the situation evolves, the international community must remain committed to supporting Ethiopia’s response efforts.
The urgency of the situation calls for continued attention and resources to address the shelter and NFI needs of the displaced populations effectively.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: CCCM Cluster
