Humanitarian Worker kidnapped and killed in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia

The humanitarian Community in Ethiopia mourns the death of Mr. Yared Melese, a humanitarian who was working with the NGO Action for Social Development and Environmental Protection Organization (ASDEPO).

ASDEPO expresses its deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased. Mr. Melese was kidnapped for ransom and later killed by an unidentified criminal armed group operating in Dawunt Woreda of North Wello Zone, Amhara Region.

Including this incident, eight humanitarian workers have been killed in Ethiopia so far in 2024 (six in the Amhara Region), whilst at least 14 incidents of kidnap of aid workers for ransom have been reported, a majority in the Central and North Gondar zones of Ahmara Region.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the kidnapping for ransom and subsequent killing of our colleague, Mr. Yared Melese, by criminals, whilst he was serving in the line of duty. As a Nutrition Officer, Yared was a brave and dedicated humanitarian worker who was ready to assist civilians in need under extremely challenging circumstances. Any attack, threat, looting or extortion demands are unacceptable breaches of our Code of Conduct” said Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia. “Mr. Yared Melese was a beloved husband, father and son. My deepest sympathies go to his family and the entire humanitarian community in Ethiopia for this tragic loss”.

About ASDEPO:

ASDEPO is engaged in ten thematic program areas of intervention namely Education, Health/HIV and AIDS, Nutrition, Community and Family Support, Women and Youth economic empowerment, Livelihood and Skill Training, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Environmental Protection, Child Protection and Humanitarian Response.

Source: APO Group

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.