Dev't Partners Initiative for IDPs Need to Foster Self-sufficiency Efforts: Disaster Risk Management Commission

Addis Ababa, June 12, 2025 (ENA) - The development partner’s initiative needs to foster the capabilities of local communities to become independent and self-sufficient, Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Deputy Commissioner Nesibu Yasin said.

This development is essential for attaining sustainable outcomes that can withstand future challenges and improve resilience in times of crisis, he said.

Development partners met today for the second Programme Steering Committee (PSC) of the initiative titled "Sustainable Assistance for Individuals Displaced by Conflict and Natural Disasters, and Their Supporting Communities in Afar, Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Tigray".

The Deputy Commissioner added that development partners should also aim to improve collaboration for better living conditions of IDPs by focusing on their lives.

The partners that were taking part in the meeting included the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, Ministry of Labour and Skills, the European Union, the Government of Germany, and various organizations like the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the critical importance of enhancing the capabilities of local communities to foster independence and self-sufficiency. The focus must be on developing health, education, and various other infrastructure systems.

According to him, IDP National ID registry is decisive to properly manage the resources for the targeted purposes.

Labour and Skills State Minister, Solomon Soka, on his part appreciated the psychosocial support provided for the internally displaced persons (IDPs). It is a best practice that should be expanded to benefit others as well, he added.  

The state minster stressed that building the capacity of IDPs and creating financially independent citizens are the top priorities of the Ethiopian government.

IOM-UN Migration Project Coordinator, Nadia Zaiter, stated that the organization is working in collaboration with the appropriate federal government bodies and regional partners throughout the implementation phase.

This initiative supports internally displaced persons and host communities, focusing on livelihoods, protection, and WASH to promote social unity.

During the meeting, the partners reviewed achievements from the project's first year, including the vocational training provided for over 1,600 individuals and the financial assistance for 250 people to start businesses.

The project also enhanced WASH infrastructure by constructing over 15 water supply facilities and launched hygiene promotion campaigns.

Significant progress was made in protection and social inclusion, with the establishment of inclusive community centers and targeted training on issues like gender-based violence.

Additionally, over 30,000 IDPs were enrolled in the national identification registry.

Appreciating the three-year initiative in WASH and other sectors, the partners highlighted the importance of the community looking for methods to progress beyond regular aid distribution and to facilitate its own sustainable growth.

Looking forward, the project plans to expand its efforts by improving vocational training, enhancing WASH services, and continuing protection initiatives.

The meeting concluded with appreciation for the partners' commitment to creating lasting solutions for displaced individuals and their communities.