Addis Ababa, December 20, 2024 (FMC) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) commended Ethiopia for its commitment to providing crucial services to refugees from multiple countries. Currently, Ethiopia accommodates over 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers hailing from 26 different nations, offering them essential social services.
According to the Council of Ministers Regulation No. 546/2016, Ethiopia aims to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers receive fundamental social services to the best of its ability. The government has established and executed appropriate legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard the rights of these individuals and to aid returnees.
In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, Ethiopia is also undertaking development projects designed to sustainably enhance the lives of both refugees and host communities. The country has enacted laws that facilitate the management of natural resources surrounding refugee centers to mitigate their ecological impact. Notably, during the Geneva Refugee Conference, Ethiopia pledged to plant 100 million trees within four years, which was a key initiative launched on August 3, 2016.
Abibatou Wane, the head of the IOM office in Ethiopia, highlighted the global context of forced migration due to various crises, both natural and man-made. She noted that Ethiopia’s hospitality toward millions of refugees is commendable and reflects its dedication to offering adequate services.
Additionally, Wane praised Ethiopia’s efforts to curb illegal migration through agreements that provide its citizens with dignified and secure employment opportunities abroad. She indicated that Ethiopia’s model is being recognized and adopted by other nations.
Abibatou emphasized that the IOM is collaborating closely with the Ethiopian government to support various aspects of migration and expressed the commitment to continue joint efforts to prevent illegal migration while facilitating safe returns for Ethiopians facing challenges abroad.