The United States Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) Anne C. Richard visited the South Sudanese refugees in Gambella, Ethiopia. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia Patricia Haslach, IOM SLO Chief of Mission and Representative to the AU/ECA/IGAD Mr. Josiah Ogina, as well as officials from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Deputy Director of the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), Mr. Ayalew Aweke, the Assistant Secretary witnessed the emergency assistance provided to the refugees at the Pagak entry point in Ethiopia, including IOM’s transportation and pre-departure medical service assistance. After her visit, the Assistant Secretary admired the hard work IOM and other humanitarian organizations have put in and emphasised that her government will continue its support.

Following the US delegates’ visit to Ethiopia and South Sudan on July 8-15, the United States Government announced that it will contribute $22 million towards humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in South Sudan and refugees in Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. The US stated that the contribution will allow both international and non-governmental organizations to provide refugees and IDPs with basic life support, such as access to clean water; food, health care, and essential household items; employment training; gender-based violence prevention; and programs for child protection, including efforts to restore family links severed as a result of displacement. The US also added their strong support towards the efforts of humanitarian organizations to meet the needs in South Sudan, but highlighted that the aid can only be effective if the Government of South Sudan, opposition forces, and all other parties to the conflict cease the fighting and grant the delivery of life-saving assistance. During the visit, the delegates were briefed that Ethiopia is hosting over 570,000 refugees, including the new influx of South Sudan refugees whose number has recently exceeded 160,000.