PEACE AND JUSTICEFOR TIGREANS INTERNATIONAL (PJTI)Press Release:

PEACE AND JUSTICE
FOR TIGREANS INTERNATIONAL (PJTI)
Press Release: Urgent Appeal to Reinstate Food Aid Distribution in Tigray, Ethiopia
July 7, 2023
We, at the Peace and Justice for Tigreans International (PJTI), are deeply concerned about
the prolonged suspension of food aid distribution in Ethiopia and especially the Tigray region by
the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Food
Programme (WFP). As a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for peace and justice, we
strongly urge the immediate reinstatement of food aid distribution to prevent a worsening
humanitarian crisis in Tigray which we believe could perpetuate instability and injustice.
The Tigray region has been gripped by a genocidal war since November 2020, resulting in
widespread violence, ethnic cleansing, war crimes, crimes against humanity, displacement,
destruction of infrastructure and other heinous crimes. This has left the population vulnerable and
in urgent need of assistance. This suspension of food aid since April 2023 by USAID and WFP is
having devastating consequences for the already suffering people of Tigray. Children and women
are dying from starvation daily with an alarming trend. Thus, the decision not only jeopardizes the
well-being and survival of vulnerable populations but also goes against the very essence of
humanitarian aid principles, which mandate a commitment to protect the lives and dignity of those
in need.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA), more than 5.2 million people in Tigray are in need of immediate food assistance, with
almost a million facing famine-like conditions. The suspension of food aid will exacerbate the
food insecurity and malnutrition crisis, risking the lives of thousands of men, women, and children.
We understand that there may be challenges and complexities involved in providing aid in a
conflict-affected region. However, the suspension of food aid should not be the solution. Instead,
we call upon the USAID and the WFP to explore alternative methods to ensure the safe and
efficient delivery of food assistance to those in need. In this regard, collaborating with local
humanitarian organizations, establishing secure distribution channels, and engaging with all
relevant stakeholders are essential steps to overcome the obstacles.
It is crucial for the international community to come together and address the humanitarian
needs of the people in Tigray. We implore the United States government, the United Nations, and
other donor countries to step up their efforts and provide the necessary support to resume food aid
distribution immediately. The lives of countless individuals are at stake, and swift actions are
required to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
PJTI is ready to collaborate with all relevant parties to alleviate the challenges of providing
assistance to the vulnerable people.
With Best Regards,
Peace and Justice for Tigreans International (PJTI)
USA
e-mail: PJTINT23@gmail.com