UN pledges support to address challenges of internal displacement

Addis Ababa, October 12, 2023 (FBC) – The United Nations country office in Ethiopia has pledged its continued support to address challenges of internal displacement in the country.

The UN’s commitment was reaffirmed in a meeting between Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister for Political and Economic Diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Robert Piper, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advisor on Solutions to Internal Displacement.

In their discussion, Ambassador Mesganu stressed the importance of coordination and working together to address the challenges of managing internal displacement, given the number of areas that require attention due to previous and ongoing conflicts. A critical issue in this regard, he emphasized, is funding.

The State Minister also pointed out the various measures the government has taken in terms of rehabilitation and reconstruction to deal with the challenges sustainably, as well as in returning many IDPs home.

Ambassador Mesganu also called on the UN to support these efforts in order to help the affected people and vulnerable groups.

Having recalled his trips to the Tigray and Afar regions to follow up on the Action Agenda of the Secretary General on Internal Displacement, Mr. Piper pledged the UN’s support to Ethiopia as it addresses the challenges posed by internal displacement.

Mr. Piper is in Ethiopia this week to take stock of the efforts to move internally displaced persons onto solutions pathways. Since his arrival in the country, the Secretary-General’s Special Advisor has visited Tigray and Afar regions.