RRS, Somali region and IOM ink MoU to enhance local integration of refugees in the region

Addis Ababa, June 1, 2023 (FBC) The Ethiopian government’s Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the Somali region and the UN Refugee Agency (IOM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen inclusion and local integration of refugees in Kebribeyah Refugee Camp of Somali region.

In a press release communicated via a Facebook post, Refugees and Returnees Service said the MoU is vital to support the efforts of integration of refugees in Kebribeyah Refugee Camp of the Somali region.

Over 16,000 refugees from Somalia have been living or were born in Kebribeyah for the past 30 years, according to the press release.

It added that the MOU would serve as a roadmap for refugees’ inclusion and local integration in Kebribeyah and surrounding refugee camps.

“The signed MoU, the first of its kind in Ethiopia, defines a roadmap for refugees’ inclusion and local integration in Kebribeyah and surrounding refugee camps. It provides a framework to transforming Kebribeyah refugee camp into a part of the Kebribeyah town, requiring further strengthening of services such as sustainable public services, water systems, housing, energy and environment, livelihood and infrastructure development.”

Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service, Tesfahun Gobezay said at the occasion: “The Memorandum of Understanding lays a cornerstone of a bold move to ensure refugees’ self-reliance and inclusive services.”

It contributes to the implementation of the pledges made by the Government of Ethiopia during the Global Refugee Forum 2019, the director general recalled.

Somali Region’s Vice President Ibrahim Ousman Farah said on his part the MoU with Refugees and Returnees Service and UN Refugee Agency was a sign of a good collaboration.

He added the implementation of the MoU will formalize Kebribeyah residents, refugees and hosts as one community.

The MoU builds on the boundless hospitality of the communities in the Somali region and the continuous support of donors and partners; and can be transformative, UN Refugee Agency Representative in Ethiopia, Mamadou Dian Balde highlighted.

Balde also reaffirmed the long-standing partnership between Refugees and Returnees Service, the Somali region and the UN Refugee Agency.

The signing of the MoU would enhance cooperation between the three stakeholders by bringing together global and regional expertise and combining it with local knowledge and leadership in harnessing innovative capabilities and solutions for refugees and host communities, it was learned.