World Bank concludes 10-day joint mission in Ethiopia with RRS, UNHCR

Addis Ababa, June 11, 2023 (FBC) – Refugees and Returnees Service of Ethiopia (RRS) has set its sights on further aligning development funding with project implementations towards self-reliance of refugees and host communities.

On Friday, the World Bank concluded its 10-day joint mission in Ethiopia with RRS and UNHCR, as part of the Forced Displacement Mission to Ethiopia.

The Bank conducted meetings with RRS, UNHCR and line ministries involved in Bank-funded projects. Workshops on forced displacement were also held.

The joint mission visited Aysaita, Awbarre and Sheder refugee camps in Afar and Somali regions, respectively. It also held meetings with stakeholders such as the he Window for Host Communities and Refugees (WHR) project implementers, RRS, UNHCR and refugee and host community representatives.

The aim was to learn about how WHR-funded projects are being implemented and coordinated at the local level, and to understand overall needs and priorities.

The Bank is funding four projects under WHR in Ethiopia, benefiting both refugees and their hosts, with a focus on basic social services, economic opportunities, and social cohesion.

The Bank, in coordination with RRS and UNHCR, held a government roundtable discussion with Ministries of Finance, Agriculture, Education, Health, MoLS, and other bureaus to present the findings at the closing of the mission.

As the mission concluded successfully, RRS presented its vision and strategic directions through its Director General to further align development funding with project implementations towards self-reliance of refugees and host communities.