BY STAFF REPORTER
Nowadays, following the natural and manmade disasters, including armed conflicts and persecutions, large numbers of people unwillingly flee their homes and settle in another part of their country so as to escape the undesirable consequences of the incidents, get support, be protected and secure their lives.
Unluckily, even though they moved needing safety, contrary to their assumption, many people face various types of problems and deprivations such as lack of access to food and health services, inadequate shelters, encounter harassments, aside from family separation and other forms of inopportuneness.
The challenge is more devastating and saddening in developing countries where the level of poverty is high and armed conflicts are rampant. According to Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), at the end of 2020, some 53.2 million people were internally displaced due to armed conflict, generalized violence or human rights violations.
Following the recent conflict occurred in some parts of Ethiopia, hundred thousands of people were forced to flee their homes involuntarily, settle in the other parts of the country. Even if some have returned to their homes safely, many more are still residing in informal settlements with unbearable conditions deprived from the provision of basic services, health and education.
In fact, the government taking the lead and joining hands with partners, stakeholders and the people is working to better manage the situation and address the challenges of affected people.
Recently, a joint initiative project led by the Ministry of Peace was launched by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the South Korean Development Organization (KOICA).
As it is learned, the project was launched with the target to strengthen Community-led Solution for Inclusive Socio-Economic Resilience towards Sustainable Peace in Conflict-Affected Areas in Ethiopia, realize lasting peace through reducing displacements.
It also aims to reach 600,000 vulnerable people including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), host-communities and returned IDPs in conflict-affected areas in Ethiopia.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has allocated USD 9.5 million to fund the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) work to support the project.
During the launch of the project, Kim Sun Young, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Office in Ethiopia, highlighted the need to link humanitarian support with development initiatives and peace building. “Such an approach not only addresses immediate concerns of the displaced, returnees, and refugees; but will also sustain peace and development. Without peace, there is no development,” she added.
KOICA will try its best to closely support the implementation of this project, she vowed.
Federalism and Conflict Management Sector State Minister in the Ministry of Peace Seyum Mesfin on his part said that there is a large displacement in Ethiopia. However, the government is exerting utmost effort to reduce displacement by giving priority to people’s safety.
Mentioning that migration and displacement are growing problems at global level, the State Minister said that the Ethiopian government is committed to build a society that can withstand natural disasters and other problems.
He also appreciated the partners, IOM and KOICA for the initiative they have taken to work together with the Ethiopian Government and solve the problem.
In the next three years, the project will work on inclusive community development; to solve the economic problems of displaced citizens, create social stability, sustain the rule of law and build lasting peace.
“IOM is very grateful for KOICA’s generous support. With this funding, conflict-affected communities and other vulnerable persons will be able to get needed assistance to improve their lives and build up economic resilience, contributing to sustainable peace in the country,” said Jian Zhao, Acting Chief of Mission for IOM Ethiopia.
This project is one of the largest ones relating to peace building funded by KOICA, IOM reported.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 21 JULY 2022
