Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — July 18, 2026 A New Dawn for Refugees: Ethiopia’s Multi-Purpose Hub in Addis Ababa The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Ethiopian government have taken a significant step forward in providing support to refugees and asylum-seekers with the opening of a new Multi-Purpose Hub in Addis Ababa on July 17, 2026.
The hub, a collaborative effort with the Government of Japan, the African Union Commission, and other partners, is designed to offer comprehensive services, aiming to enhance the protection, information, and access to essential services for refugees, asylum — seekers, and other vulnerable populations. Ethiopia, known for its open-door policy towards refugees, has been facing significant humanitarian pressures.
As of end — December 2025, the country hosted an estimated 1. 12 million refugees and asylum-seekers, predominantly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan. This influx, coupled with internal displacement, climate shocks, economic pressures, and widespread food insecurity, has strained national systems.
The Multi — Purpose Hub, located in the heart of Addis Ababa, aims to address these challenges by providing a single point of access to a range of services. These include legal advice, health care, education, vocational training, and social services.
The hub also serves as a central information hub, offering guidance on rights and services available to refugees and asylum — seekers.
High — profile individuals, including the Ambassador of Japan to the African Union, Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi from the African Union Commission, and Ms.
Aissatou M.
Ndiaye, UNHCR Country Representative, attended the launch, underscoring the importance of the initiative.
The hub is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to the 2019 Refugee Proclamation and the pledges made at international forums.
The UNHCR and its partners are optimistic that the hub will improve the living conditions and integration of refugees in Ethiopia.
The initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Ethiopian government to ensure that refugees can live with dignity and have equal access to services, contributing positively to the social and economic fabric of the host community.
However, while the opening of the hub is a significant step, challenges remain.
The scale of the humanitarian crisis necessitates sustained and coordinated efforts from the government, international organizations, and the private sector.
The hub’s success will depend on its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the refugee population and to ensure sustainable services.
As Ethiopia continues to welcome refugees, the Multi — Purpose Hub stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing a commitment to protect and support those in need. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity.
The hub’s opening marks a new chapter in Ethiopia’s response to the humanitarian crisis.
As the hub continues to operate and evolve, it will be crucial to monitor its impact and ensure that it fulfills its promise of providing a lifeline to those who need it most.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: france24 – Africa
Source: FRANCE24
