Ethiopia's Handling of Refugees Exemplary to Region: UNHCR Country Representative 

Addis Ababa, September 2/2023(ENA):- The continued exemplary handling of refugees in Ethiopia needs to expand in the region, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Country Representative Andrew Mbogori said. 

In an exclusive interview with ENA, he said UNHCR has a good partnership with the Government of Ethiopia in terms of accepting refugees in the country and actually protecting them. 

“We have more than 900,000 refugees in Ethiopia, and despite the challenges Ethiopia continues to host and protect these refugees. So, this is really a great partnership the United Nations and Ethiopia have.”

The country representative stressed that “countries from the region should learn from Ethiopia in opening up the doors and having good asylum space for refugees, for people running away from their countries.”

According to him, this is a good example which many countries in the region can learn from.

Regarding future cooperation, Mbogori said the UNHCR is working with Refugees and the Returnees Service to protect and give assistance to refugees across the country.

The government is very much involved in terms of giving the refugees asylum and also giving them the protection, the representative stated, adding that the UNHCR has currently food challenges but will continue to discuss with partners regarding food distribution to refugees.

 “Our advocacy is not only for refugees; but food for all vulnerable groups should start as soon as possible,” he underscored.

Mbogori said that the UNHCR is working with the Ethiopian government to come up with a self-reliance program for refugees.

“We are coming up with this program where refugees can also be supported to help themselves.” 

The country representative praised partners that have been collaborating with UNHCR, and to the country for participating in supporting refugees. 

“My message to partners is to continue supporting Ethiopia. All bilateral and multilateral partners should support Ethiopia in its development endeavors; and more to support Ethiopia when it comes to integrated programs with refugees and the host communities.” 

Recall that Ethiopia hosts nearly one million refugees and asylum seekers from neighboring countries and beyond.