Timely response to displacement needs

Ethiopia hosts the highest number of refugees in Africa with an estimated population of 700,000 as of December 2014.The majority of these refugees are from South Sudan and Somalia. While offering refuge to displaced populations from neighboring countries, Ethiopia is also grappling with internal displacement estimated at over 840,000 mainly in the Somali Regional State. The Government allocated land for the 24 camps around Assosa, Dollo Ado, Gambella, Jijiga, Semera and Shire and provides police presence at those locations (UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update – Ethiopia). Especially, the refuges in Benishangul Gumuz are from the Upper Nile region of the country.
We all need a roof above our heads to feel safe and protected from harsh weather conditions, criminals, and wild animals as well as to preserve our dignity and privacy. Shelter is a natural basic need, shielding any species from external threats. MIS is mandated to provide emergency assistance, protection and durable solutions to people affected by displacement in Benishangul Gumuz Regional state Tsore Refugee Camp; over the year, shelter support has become one of MIS’s strongest competencies. MIS supported shelters are adapted to suit the local environment and conditions and to conform to national government regulations.In 2016 MIS envisages strengthening implementation of shelter activities, including scaling up of vegetable gardening programme in shelter delivery and building on lessons learnt from the Tsore shelter pilot programme.
Even if substantial efforts are being made to address the main problems of refugees, there are still gaps observed. Tsore is newly founded and under construction camp in which different gaps are observed. Especially there are no transitional shelters in the camp for the targets planned to be relocated from Ashura camp and to accommodate new entrants. Limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene services, awareness and practice which lead to different outbreaks of communicable diseases is also the major problem observed in all the camps especially Tsore, Sherkole and Tongo camps.
In 2015, one hundred transitional shelters were constructed, providing physical protection to 500 refugee households in Benishangul Gumz Regional state, Tsore camp. This will be an advantage for MIS to easily continue and expand its experience to other camps. The experience, lessons learned, commitment and dependable partnership will be the success factors to realize the desired outcomes. On the other hand MIS has a special attention for value for money. It is our excellence to mobilize and meaningfully involve targets to contribute their stake for any project. In its operation in the national projects the organization is known for working in close collaboration and partnership with local government and other stakeholders. As a result, it has got different credentials and awards for its contribution to the wellbeing of communities.