UNHCR warns of growing humanitarian needs as thousands flee Ethiopia to Kenya

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is closely monitoring the situation on the Kenya–Ethiopia border in Moyale, where ongoing clashes on the Ethiopian side have forced thousands of people to cross into Kenya in search of safety.

Significant cross-border movements have been reported since 22 October. According to local authorities up to an estimated 50,000 people have crossed into Kenya. The figure remains fluid as registration and verification efforts continue, amid reports of further crossings.

Many of those fleeing are women and children. While some are staying with relatives and host communities, others have sought shelter in temporary locations like schools and churches. Food remains the most urgent need, alongside safe drinking water, emergency shelter, sanitation and health care.

UNHCR has deployed an emergency team to Moyale and is working closely with the Government of Kenya, through the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) and county authorities, alongside IOM, UNICEF, WFP, the Kenya Red Cross Society and other humanitarian partners, to support the national and local response.

UNHCR is mobilizing emergency relief supplies, including essential household items and temporary shelter materials, to support nearly 12,000 people, with efforts underway to scale up assistance as needs grow. UNHCR is also supporting ongoing assessments of protection and humanitarian needs.

We are also working with the authorities and partners to identify safer accommodation options, further away from the border, for those fleeing violence.

For more information, please contact:

• In Nairobi, Charity Nzomo, [email protected], +254 79 002 5409
• In Nairobi (regional) Faith Kasina, [email protected], +254 113 427 094
• In Geneva, Eujin Byun, [email protected], +41 79 747 87 19