ADDIS ABABA – The government of Netherlands continues to support Ethiopia in the areas of migrant protection, reintegration of migrant returnees via COMPASS project, the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia said.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy in Ethiopia yesterday launched the second phase of the COMPASS project, which spans from 2024 to 2027 and will be implemented in Ethiopia.
At the launching program, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, Christine Pirenne stated that the government of the Netherlands would continue to strengthen migration governance by enhancing Ethiopian government framework and building capacities at local and national levels.
This initiative emphasizes the shared commitment of the two nations in order to protecting migrants, enhancing migration governance, supporting the reintegration of returnees, reducing irregular migration, and strengthening capacity at both local and national levels to safeguard the people on the move, she noted.
The Dutch government promotes a comprehensive 360-degree approach to migration that emphasizes the importance of protection, the safeguarding of human rights, and effective border and migration management, the ambassador added.
Pirenne noted that many of these priorities are evident in the COMPASS project, which focuses on providing reintegration support, enhancing migration governance, and increasing awareness about the dangers of irregular migration.
State Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Huria Ali said at the event that the launching of the COMPASS project is a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s journey towards ensuring the well-being of migrants and enhancing migration governance systems, and improving services for migrants.
The Ethiopian government is committed to tackling migration challenges by combating irregular migration, promoting safe and dignified migration, and providing support for returnees, including reintegration and capacity development in migration governance and protection issues, according to the State Minister.
Chief of Mission to IOM Ethiopia, Abibatou Wane-Fall said that the mission is to support vulnerable migrants by providing the tools and resources they need to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities, enabling both returning migrants and host communities to thrive and evolve.
“In the first phase of the COMPASS project, we supported the safe, voluntary return of hundreds of migrants, focusing on their specific needs and providing socioeconomic reintegration support for the most vulnerable. Our goal is to empower community members to shape their own futures.”
Successful community-based reintegration projects include Jimma Zone, Oromia state IOM supported 350 returnees and community members through vegetable grafting, poultry farming, and animal feed production, enhancing food security and south Wello, Amhara state over 200 returnees and host community members are involved in an irrigation initiative, improving water security and agricultural opportunities, she said.
In phase two, she indicated that efforts will be intensified to expand vocational training and educational opportunities, support local enterprises, foster community cohesion, strengthen migration governance systems, and protect the rights of migrants while facilitating safe and regular migration.
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 16 NOVEMBER 2024
