Ethiopia, the Netherlands seek cooperation on refugee return and reintegration

Addis Ababa, February 5, 2025 (FMC) – In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations on migration, the Deputy Director General of the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), Biruhtesfa Mulugeta, welcomed a delegation from the Netherlands, led by Peter Schuurman, the Special Envoy for Migration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting focused on crucial migration-related issues with a particular focus on strategies to enhance cooperation on return and reintegration between Ethiopia and the Netherlands.

Biruhtesfa Mulugeta emphasized the need to develop effective solutions to manage migration challenges, stressing the importance of establishing a sustainable framework that prioritizes the needs and rights of refugee returnees and migrant returnees. He highlighted the necessity of ensuring a humane and well-managed return process.

Biruhtesfa also underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the two countries to better manage migration and promote mutual understanding of migration governance. He emphasized the need for shared responsibility and sustainable solutions to address migration issues.

Peter Schuurman, the Special Envoy for Migration, praised Ethiopia’s commitment to forming constructive partnerships with international stakeholders to protect the rights and dignity of migrants, particularly those returning to their home country. He expressed the Netherlands’ enthusiasm to support Ethiopia’s “Makatet” roadmap, citing its alignment with global response mechanisms to address displacement situations.

The meeting marked a significant step towards enhancing bilateral ties between Ethiopia and the Netherlands on migration issues, with both countries committed to working together to find sustainable solutions to migration challenges.