Hope for Tigray: Shedding light and saving IDPs

URGENT CRISIS IN TIGRAY

Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia, is home to the Tigrayan, Irob, and Kunama ethnic groups, totalling over 7 million people according to the latest census. In recent years, Tigrayans across Tigray and the rest of Ethiopia have faced horrific violence amounting to genocide. The war on Tigray began on November 3, 2020, leading to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Anywhere upto 800,000 civilians are believed to have been killed, approximately 2 million are internally displaced, and over 60,000 have sought refuge in Sudan. An estimated 120,000 women and girls have suffered horrific sexual and gender-based violence, alongside widespread destruction of infrastructure and extrajudicial killings.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been stripped of their homes, jobs, schools and livelihoods. They now have limited access to food and healthcare and are completely reliant on aid and charity. Many are resorting to begging on the streets of Tigray, further straining an already financially constrained community. Most IDPs are from Western Tigray, which four years in, still remains occupied by invading Eritrean and Amhara forces.

On June 7th, the WA Tegaru Youth Association, based in Perth, will be screening "Woyane" by independent filmmaker Jonny Stern in hopes of raising much-needed awareness and money for IDPs. This 33-minute documentary sheds crucial light on the Tigray crisis, uncovering the suffering endured by so many. Alongside "Woyane", we will showcase the newly released animated short film "Nebsey" by Gabrielle Tesfaye, which explores the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and its impact it has had on Tigrayan women. We appreciate the efforts of these artists in amplifying the voices and struggles of Tigrayans especially when most of the world has chosen to look away. All proceeds from the event in Perth will be donated with the money we raise here!

**Where Your Money Goes:**

1 . Supporting IDPs (50%)

Your contribution will provide critical financial relief to IDPs in Tigray, who have lost everything and are struggling to survive in dire conditions. We are partnering with on the ground org, Innovative Humanitarian Solutions, to distribute funds amongst the IDPs, on the ground. Visit our Instagram (wategaruyouthassociation) to see our last round of donations and to stay posted.

2.⁠ ⁠"Besela, the Scar" (50%)

To raise further awareness, Jonny Stern is currently producing a follow-up documentary, "Besela, the Scar," which focuses on post-war implications in Tigray and Ukraine. Due to the communications blackout that was imposed on Tigray for two years, many of the atrocities were committed in the dark. We strongly believe that what happened to Tigray should be documented; hence, we are contributing 50% to help Jonny Stern further amplify the stories of our people.

As GoFundMe does not operate in Tigray, we will be withdrawing the funds here in Australia and transferring 50% of funds to our correspondent in Tigray and, the remaining 50% to Jonny Stern via bank transfer. By contributing to this GoFundMe, you're not just supporting a film; you're standing in solidarity with the Tigrayan community. Your donation will also help provide much-needed financial aid to those in IDP camps and support the creation of an impactful documentary that will help the world know what happened in Tigray. Our event is a significant step in raising awareness, but we need your help to increase our impact. Please consider sharing this fundraiser with friends and family!

Whether it be $1, $10, or $100, no donation is too small!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on the Tigray crisis and how you can help advocate, please visit the links below:

Australia Tigray Alliance (Australian-based)

Omna Tigray (Internationally-based)