Federal Council requests extra emergency relief for Ethiopia and Yemen
Bern, 04.11.2026 — At its meeting on 4 November 2026 the Federal Council decided to provide an additional CHF 40 million in funding to support the population affected by armed conflict in Yemen and in Ethiopia. Switzerland's CHF 29 million for Yemen and CHF 11 million for Ethiopia represents an urgently needed contribution to the care and protection of the suffering population and to stabilisation in the region. Half of the relief package will be financed through an adjustment to the FDFA's own budget. Parliament is being asked to approve a further CHF 20 million as a supplementary credit.
Armed conflicts between Houthi militias and the fragmented government forces are resulting in large-scale internal displacements and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. At this stage, two-thirds of the population – 22 million people, more that half of whom are children – need humanitarian assistance. In Ethiopia, the population is feeling the impact of the latest tensions and the renewed escalation of the armed conflict in the north of the country. Climate-related challenges affecting the livelihoods of the affected populations are further exacerbating the situation. Switzerland is supporting action benefiting those affected by armed conflict and forced displacement.
Armed conflicts causing regional instability
The armed conflicts around the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa are increasingly destabilising the region as a whole. The flow of refugees and migrants towards Djibouti and Somalia is putting pressure on local admission systems and basic services, amid a growing need for protection, emergency accommodation, water, healthcare and education.
A total of CHF 11 million is earmarked for Ethiopia in the priority areas of improving food supplies, access to clean water, and protection for the population. CHF 29 million in total is set aside for Yemen. Here, support is focused on emergency medical treatment and healthcare systems, emergency humanitarian relief, and protection and accommodation for the population.
Targeted support through experienced partners
The funds will be routed through established international partner organisations which have the knowledge and experience of local contexts. These include the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Food Programme, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as well as the Norwegian Refugee Council and the Danish Refugee Council. Local organisations that have direct access to the population in areas particularly affected by armed conflict are involved wherever possible.