It is important to highlight that the federal government of Ethiopia has been working around the clock to create a conducive environment for refugees residing throughout the country more than ever before. Ethiopia goes to great lengths to meet the interests of refugees and host populations promptly. Despite some challenges, the desired goal is being accomplished through Ethiopia’s continued efforts.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting refugees and communities to improve livelihoods. In a recent statement to The Ethiopian Herald, ILO Country Director in Ethiopia, Alexio Musindo, emphasized that Ethiopia hosts thousands of refugees in the continent. He mentioned that his organization, along with governments and partners, is working to enhance the lives of communities and refugees through access to finance, skills development, and other opportunities.
In addition to safeguarding migrant workers, ILO is providing financial loans, capacity building, and business development services to enable them to engage in various business fields. The organization is striving to uplift hosting communities and refugees through initiatives such as job opportunities, business ventures, and economic empowerment, among others.
As migration becomes more complex and multi-faceted in the East and Horn of Africa, international partners and donors must strengthen advocacy and provide financial assistance. Given that 80% of migration is intra-regional, cross-border agreements between unions and countries can significantly address the issue.
The flow of people from all corners is characterized by mixed migration flows involving refugees, asylum-seekers, and migrant workers, placing a strain on regional governments as they struggle to manage the large number of migrants crossing their borders.
Countries in East Africa and the Horn of Africa have intensified efforts to enhance migration governance at national and regional levels based on continental and global initiatives and frameworks aimed at improving migration management.
The Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) recently issued digital National ID cards for refugees for the first time in East Africa, enabling refugees to access critical services. Speaking at the launch ceremony, RRS Director General Teyiba Hassen highlighted the partnership with UNHCR and the National ID Program to integrate refugees and asylum seekers into the Ethiopian National ID system.
Ethiopia has been working to realize an inclusive approach for refugees, improving their inclusivity over time. The issuance of digital IDs for over one million refugees is a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to humanity, neighborly support, and refugee rights.
The new system allows refugees to conduct basic activities such as opening bank accounts, accessing healthcare, employment, receiving cash transfers, applying for government documents, and accessing social protection and education, empowering them with greater control over personal data.
In a similar vein, in a press briefing held recently, Mercy Corps Country Director, Edwin Kuria said that the mini-grid project, which is a part of the Enter Energy Ethiopia program of Mercy Corps, will serve over 17,600 refugees and host community members, delivering much-needed energy to households, businesses, and essential services.
“Access to energy is a crucial driver of economic development, significantly improving living standards and enabling a multitude of socio-economic activities. Currently, over 114 million individuals worldwide have been forcibly displaced. In Ethiopia alone, millions of forcibly displaced people have less than seven percent access to energy. This scarcity not only hampers their well-being but also limits their ability to engage is productive activities and secure livelihoods,” he noted.
The initative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to provide clean, reliable, and customable energy solutions to both displaced populations and their host communities.
It should be born in mind that UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi stopped in Ethiopia recently with the intention of meeting refugees and asylum seekers who have fled conflict in Sudan and become refugees in Kurmuk, Ethiopia.
Briefing journalists, the commissioner said that donors around the world should put their hands in supporting the refugees. “According to the global statistics, 90% of refugees do not go to Europe or America; rather, they flee from one poor country to another poor country. The problem is for the poor countries; it is not for the rich nations.”
Since the conflict in Sudan began, millions have been displaced, with thousands crossing the Ethiopian border to Kurmuk. The registered refugees in Ethiopia number nearly one million, posing a significant burden on the country amid its own challenges.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 2 JULY 2024
