Addis Ababa, October 18, 2023 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) announced the resumption of food supply after months on hiatus.
RRS Director General Teyiba Hassen attributed the resumption to diplomatic effort made by her institution and the government at large.
Teyiba addressed the media highlighting Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to respond to the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.
The Director General reckoned that Ethiopia is shouldering huge burden by hosting nearly one million refugees and asylums seekers, calling for coordinated efforts to respond to the increasing influx of refugees and asylum seekers to the country following conflicts within the Horn of Africa region.
Teyiba said ensuring reliable protection to refugees and asylum seekers would remain the fundamental intervention of RRS, emphasizing on coordinating stakeholders and partners to work toward the betterment of the lives of refugees and host communities.
In related news, she noted that the Ethiopian delegation has wisely utilized the 74th Executive Committee Meeting of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva, Switzerland by highlighting achievements in enhancing refugee protection and self-reliance and related challenges.
Thanking UNHCR and partners for their support, Teyiba called on them to demonstrate concrete solidarity to refugees and host countries, emphasizing the principle of burden and responsibility sharing.
She also tipped the press that representing the Government of Ethiopia, RRS is making preparations along with partners to make the best out of the upcoming Global Refugee Forum 2023 and reflect on the needs of nearly a million refugees and asylum seekers housed within.
Teyiba further mentioned that Ethiopia maintains its continued commitment to respond to the needs of refugees and asylum seekers by reinvigorating its long-established history and tradition of hosting refugees.
By Wondesen Aregahegn