Addis Ababa: President Taye Atske Selassie and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi engaged in discussions today regarding the status and challenges of refugees in Ethiopia. The meeting centered on collaborative strategies to manage and address the complex issues faced by refugees in the region.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the leaders emphasized the importance of reinforcing commitments from all parties involved in tackling refugee crises and enhancing humanitarian efforts, highlighting the critical role of international cooperation. President Taye expressed appreciation for UNHCR’s ongoing support and collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by refugees in Ethiopia.
President Taye underscored the necessity of further strengthening partnerships to improve the lives of refugees within the country. High Commissioner Grandi, expressing gratitude for the warm reception, noted that the discussions were productive, particularly focusing on the significant refugee population in Ethiopia, which exceeds 1.1 million.
Grandi commended Ethiopia’s advancements in refugee protection, acknowledging the considerable challenges posed by accommodating such a large number of refugees amidst recent budgetary cuts from the United States and other donors. Despite these obstacles, he assured that the UNHCR remains fully committed to supporting Ethiopia during this critical period.
The high commissioner praised Ethiopia’s inclusive approach towards refugees, noting the country’s provision of access to education, healthcare, documentation, and employment opportunities for refugees. He emphasized the need for sustained international assistance, highlighting that Ethiopia’s efforts to integrate refugees require a robust support system to improve their lives.
Grandi mentioned UNHCR’s collaboration with the World Bank and other organizations to effectively mobilize resources and ensure continued aid for both refugees and internally displaced individuals in the country. He concluded by expressing satisfaction with the cooperative efforts between the UNHCR and the Ethiopian government in addressing the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons.