Urgent Petition to Save Lives: Resume Food Aid in Tigray, Ethiopia

I write with profound concern regarding the suspension of USAID and WFP-supported food assistance in Tigray, Ethiopia. This collective punishment gravely impacts millions in dire need and suffering amidst an ongoing humanitarian crisis. It is imperative that we prioritize the swift resumption of food aid over any efforts to normalize relations with the Ethiopian government. The conflict in Tigray has resulted in a catastrophic crisis, displacing millions and leaving a staggering 98% of the Tigrayan population in dire need of assistance. Denying food aid to over 5.4 million people represents a disproportionate response. As it is essential to ensure our taxpayers' money is spent responsibly, the Tigray authorities have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that aid reaches those in need by implementing a hands-off policy recommended by USAID to prevent aid diversions. The recent resumption of food assistance to the refugee population is indeed a positive step. However, lives are hanging in the balance, and we cannot afford any further delays. Therefore, I urgently urge you to take the following decisive actions: 1. Immediate Resumption of Aid: Prioritize and facilitate the immediate resumption of USAID and WFP-supported food assistance to the Tigray region. The suspension of aid is causing immense suffering among innocent civilians and must be rectified urgently. 2. Humanitarian Priority: Emphasize that the immediate humanitarian crisis takes precedence over normalizing relations with the Ethiopian government. The lives of millions facing food insecurity are at stake. 3. Pressuring the Ethiopian Government: Exert pressure on the Ethiopian government to accept a new hands-off policy on aid distribution. The reluctance of the Ethiopian government to relinquish oversight of aid distribution is a significant impediment to humanitarian assistance. 4. Financial Accountability: Ensure that the Biden administration only provides funds/loans or other financial benefits provided by U.S. taxpayers to the Ethiopian government once they agree to the terms of the USAID for unimpeded aid distribution. The suspension of aid contradicts humanitarian principles and sends the wrong message. I urge you to facilitate an immediate restart of aid distribution, extending beyond refugees, and ensure that taxpayer funds aren't provided to the Ethiopian government until they comply with USAID's terms. Millions of people are on the brink of death, and in the last three months (Aug, Sept, Oct) alone, 2,800 have died of starvation in 27 districts of Tigray. Your influence can be their lifeline of existence.