The genocidal war in Tigray, which erupted in November 2020, has triggered one of the most severe humanitarian crises of the 21st century. The genocidal war has resulted in the forced displacement of millions, with approximately 950,000 individuals still residing as internally displaced persons (IDP) as of 2024. These individuals face appalling conditions, marked by food shortages, inadequate access to clean water, insufficient medical care, and persistent security threats. This article examines the lived realities of Tigrayan IDPs, exploring their struggles, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
The Human Cost of War and Displacement
The genocidal war in Tigray has resulted in the displacement of nearly three million people, who fled amidst active violence and destruction. Many IDPs recount harrowing experiences of witnessing the killings of their loved ones, the looting of their homes, and the loss of their livelihoods. A study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2023 found that fifteen percent of surveyed IDPs reported the killing of family members, while 6.83 percent suffered physical disabilities due to war-related injuries.
Upon arriving at IDP camps, many displaced persons face dire survival challenges. Overcrowding, lack of shelter, and food shortages are daily realities. A study published by Nature (2023) found that 69.1 percent of IDPs had their assets looted, while 15.8 percent experienced the total destruction of their homes, leaving them destitute. The destruction of homes and loss of livelihoods have forced many into prolonged dependency on humanitarian aid, worsening the crisis.
Living Conditions in IDP Camps
The living conditions in IDP camps across Tigray remain dire, exacerbated by food insecurity, lack of clean water, and insufficient healthcare. Malnutrition is particularly severe among children. An analysis showed that 199 (6%) of children aged 6–59 months had severe acute malnutrition (MUAC Doctors without borders noted that many IDPs rely on contaminated water sources, increasing the risk of cholera and acute watery diarrhea.
The collapse of healthcare infrastructure has left IDPs without essential medical services. A study published in the Conflict and Health Journal (2024) estimates that 70 percent of healthcare facilities in Tigray were destroyed or rendered non-functional during the war. Maternal health services have suffered tremendously, with only 36.5 percent of pregnant women receiving antenatal care and just 15 percent accessing postnatal care within 24 hours of delivery. The lack of proper maternal healthcare has led to an increase in maternal and infant mortality rates.
Mental health issues have also become a major concern among IDPs. According to a research published by National Library of Medicine (2024), 58.8 percent of IDPs suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma of displacement, compounded by food insecurity and loss of social structures, has contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Despite the urgent need for mental health support, services remain critically underfunded and inaccessible to most IDPs.
The disruption of education has been another devastating consequence of the war. Over 2.3 million children across Tigray, Amhara, and Afar have been deprived of access to schooling. Schools have either been destroyed, repurposed as IDP shelters, or are suffering from a severe lack of teachers and educational materials. The loss of education threatens to create a “lost generation” of children, significantly hindering the long-term recovery and development of the region.
Coping Mechanisms and Resilience
Despite the immense hardships, IDPs in Tigray have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Many rely on community solidarity for survival, sharing resources and organizing informal support networks. Small-scale economic activities, such as trade and craft-making, have also emerged as means of generating income, although these efforts are limited by insecurity and restricted market access.
Grassroots humanitarian efforts have played a vital role in supplementing international aid. Local organizations and volunteer groups have stepped in to provide essential services where international agencies have been unable to reach. However, these initiatives are constrained by limited funding and logistical barriers.
The International Humanitarian Response and Political Challenges
The delivery of humanitarian aid to Tigray has been obstructed by political and logistical challenges. Bureaucratic restrictions, security concerns, and politicization of aid have hindered international humanitarian organizations from accessing affected populations. Aid organizations have reported severe challenges in reaching remote and conflict-affected areas, leaving multitudes without essential assistance.
Funding shortfalls have further worsened the crisis. Humanitarian operations in Tigray remain severely underfunded, leading to food ration reductions, inadequate healthcare services, and insufficient sanitation infrastructure.
There have also been reports of deliberate obstruction of aid, with food and medical supplies being withheld as a political tool. This situation underscores the urgent need for international pressure to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered without political interference. Further, there is a need of channelling aid through local civil society organizations.
Path to Recovery and Sustainable Solutions
Addressing the crisis in Tigray requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes both immediate humanitarian relief and long-term recovery efforts. Unrestricted humanitarian access must be secured to ensure that aid reaches those in need. Increased international funding through local Civil Society Organizations is essential to sustain relief operations and rebuild critical infrastructure.
Facilitating the voluntary and safe return of IDPs is another key priority. Sustainable return programs must ensure that displaced individuals have access to housing, security, and economic opportunities. This requires the full implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and the subsequent Nairobi Declaration which requires the territorial integrity of Tigray. Long-term recovery efforts should focus on rebuilding healthcare facilities, schools, and water supply systems.
Conclusion
The plight of internally displaced persons in Tigray reflects the devastating humanitarian consequences of genocidal war. While emergency aid has provided temporary relief, long-term solutions are needed to restore stability and dignity to displaced populations. The international community must act decisively to support IDPs in Tigray and ensure that their fundamental rights are protected.
