Ethiopia calls for sustainable approach for refugee response

Addis Ababa, October 17, 2024 (FBC) – During the 75th Session of UNHCR Executive Committee meeting, Mr. Daniel Tenkir, Minister at the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the UN & Other International Organizations in Geneva, outlined the efforts that have been made by Ethiopia in providing protection and assistance to refugees.

He highlighted the achievements that have been made on refugee education, health, jobs, and livelihoods.

In his statement, Mr. Daniel emphasized the importance of increasing investments in livelihood activities including agriculture, livestock, vocational skills training, and micro small enterprises development to enhance self-reliance of refugees and host communities.

In this connection, he called for a sustainable approach to enhance self-reliance of refugees and foster coexistence between the refugees and host communities.

He reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to redouble its efforts in implementing sustainable program, in collaboration with UNHCR and partners.

While recognising the continued support of partners in providing resettlement opportunities to the refugees in Ethiopia, Mr. Daniel stated that the immense budgetary constraint is seriously compromising the quality of protection, assistance, and solutions that Ethiopia provides to the refugees.

Accordingly, he requested the proposed budget for 2025 should give priority to securing solutions to the refugees in line with Ethiopia’s commitments to solutions. He also emphasised the criticality of allocating flexible and unearmarked funding to enable refugees live a dignified life, as per the Ethiopian Permanent Mission in Geneva.