Ethiopia’s Integration Efforts for Refugees Receive UNHCR Praise BODY: ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – Amidst regional conflicts and instability that have fueled new displacement, Ethiopia has showcased a model of refugee protection and inclusion, according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih. Salih concluded his first official visit to the country, emphasizing that Ethiopia’s approach, which pairs protection with inclusion and opportunity for both refugees and host communities, deserves increased international support. From June 18 to 22, Salih commemorated World Refugee Day with refugees and local communities, engaging in high-level dialogues with the Ethiopian government, the African Union, UN partners, donors, and the private sector.
He also oversaw a critical tripartite meeting with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on the safe and sustainable repatriation of refugees. Ethiopia, one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations, shelters over 1. 1 million refugees and asylum-seekers.
Despite facing economic challenges, climate — related shocks, and regional instability, the country has continued to provide sanctuary to those fleeing conflict, violence, and persecution.
A highlight of Salih’s visit was the launch of the Makatet Roadmap, a national framework designed to integrate refugees into national systems and services.
The roadmap, which aspires to move beyond short — term assistance, grants refugees access to documentation, education, healthcare, employment, and local services, benefiting both refugees and host communities. This initiative aligns with UNHCR’s “50 by 35″vision, aiming to reduce the number of refugees in prolonged situations and reliant on humanitarian aid by half over the next decade through enhanced inclusion and sustainable solutions. Salih spent World Refugee Day at the Ura settlement in Benishangul-Gumuz, near Sudan, where he met families who had fled the 2023 conflict.
He noted that this approach, which integrates long — term development with emergency responses, underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to “solutions from the start. “Salih also engaged with refugee entrepreneurs in Ura and Addis Ababa, whose businesses are generating jobs, supporting families, and contributing to the local economy. He highlighted the potential for refugees to transition from dependency to self-reliance, creating opportunities for the entire community.
At Jewi camp in the Gambella region, home to nearly 450,000 South Sudanese refugees, Salih witnessed the effects of severe funding shortages. He emphasized the need for sustained international support for humanitarian assistance, which is crucial for saving lives but is constrained by funding limitations. During his visit, Salih addressed African Union member states, emphasizing the link between peace, displacement, and regional cooperation.
On his final day, he presided over a High — Level Ministerial Tripartite Meeting, reaffirming UNHCR’s commitment to supporting voluntary and safe repatriation as part of the peace process.
The meeting concluded with a joint communiqué aimed at strengthening support for voluntary returns and reintegration.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
