The United Nations has warned that continued insecurity in northern Ethiopia is disrupting humanitarian operations and restricting aid access to people in need.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

It said humanitarian access has been severely restricted by disrupted telecommunications, suspended flights to and from Tigray Region and some locations in Amhara Region, and restrictions on key roads.

The agency said this limited the movements of humanitarians, relief supplies and essential services.

“Humanitarian operations are already under severe pressure from funding shortages. Several partners have scaled back or suspended activities, leaving fewer humanitarian organisations on the ground and widening response gaps,” it said.

It noted that humanitarian partners continue to monitor developments and strengthen preparedness and contingency measures to ensure continued humanitarian support where access remains possible. 

“Partners also conduct rapid assessments based on reports of displacement and humanitarian needs,” it explained.

OCHA said it remained critical that all parties ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to reach those in need.