ADDIS ABABA – In response to the crisis of COVID-19, International Organization for Migration (IOM) staff is working on the frontlines of the national response as well as supporting the organized government structures, said IOM Chief of Mission to Ethiopia, Maureen Achieng.
According to a press release sent to The Ethiopian Herald, Ethiopia continues to receive thousands of migrants returned from countries across the region and Middle East in response to the global health pandemic.
IOM is assisting more than 9400 migrants who have been sent back from Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and other countries over the last few weeks in the quarantine facilities.
IOM is supporting to ensure returning migrants receive medical care, food, shelter and other assistance during quarantine and after, including helping them return to their villages.
Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs and UN Resident Coordinator,
Dr. Catherine Soz and Maureen Achieng visited one of quarantine centers at Addis Ababa University’s Sidist Kilo campus, on last Thursday.
“IOM’s quick response and support for returning migrants in Ethiopia is always appreciated. As the pandemic response requires harmonized efforts from all, we appreciate the coordinated support we are receiving from UN partners as well.” Ergogie said.
The return of migrants during this crisis threatens already stretched capacities in Ethiopia and to this end, IOM is responding to the direct needs of returnees, ensuring facilities are efficiently bolstering the national response in line with government needs,” Achieng said.
After completing their quarantine period in Addis Ababa and other Regional States, IOM will work with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, and Ministry of Women, Children, and Youth Affairs to provide migrants with transportation to their hometowns and to reintegrate them with their families.
There are calls to ensure that migrants are treated fairly and equally as countries in the region respond to the disease. IOM is calling for the prioritization and protection of the most vulnerable and for migrants to be included in government response plans.
IOM has also assigned medical personnel to quarantine sites in Addis Ababa, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Service specialists trained and deployed to support the protection needs of migrants at quarantine centers across the country.
“It is critical to have enhanced coordination among all the stakeholders that are directly engaged in responding to the needs of the returnee Ethiopian migrants for the country to successfully avoid the perils of the Covid-19 pandemic.” Dr. Sozi said.
The UN has called on countries to stop the detention of foreign migrants for purposes of immigration management.
It has also urged countries to work closely with relevant national, regional and continental authorities to release migrants from overcrowded and unsafe detention centers, and to provide adequate and safe shelters as an alternative.
The Ethiopian Herald April 30/2012
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
