Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Effective Migration Management Key to Security, Human Rights

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2025 (ENA)—Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh highlighted the need to enhance migration governance in a manner that ensures national security, respects refugee rights, and supports Ethiopia's development aspirations.

The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks during the annual review of the National Migration Council commenced in Addis Ababa today.

Activities and progress on key migration-related issues were reviewed, it was indicated.

According to Temesgen, Ethiopia has a long-standing and well-developed tradition of welcoming and protecting foreigners.

“Currently, we host and safeguard more than one million refugees and asylum seekers. Migration has become a central issue shaping international human rights, peace and security, as well as political, diplomatic, and development agendas,” he stated.

 In this context, it is essential to strike a balance between the sovereignty, security, and development priorities of our nation and the protection of the human rights and dignity of refugees, he revealed.

 To achieve this, the Deputy PM noted that migration policy must be integrated with ongoing economic reforms in a way that leverages the potential contributions of refugees.

“Migration is a core component of our Ten-Year Development Plan. Our approach focuses on: Preventing irregular migration through coordinated action strengthening the fight against human smuggling expanding the ecosystem for legal foreign employment.”

The issue of migration is shaping fundamentals of peace, security, development, and diplomatic policies at global level, Temesgen said, adding if properly managed, migration can foster growth and development opportunities.

In this regard, upholding the human rights and dignity of migrants in line with Ethiopia's sovereignty, its national security, and development ambitions are imperative, the deputy prime minister stressed.

He also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring that Ethiopian citizens facing particularly difficult situations abroad are restored to safety and dignity through stable and sustainable solutions.

 In her remarks, Minister of Justice Hanna Araya Silasse noted that numerous migration management activities were undertaken in the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year.

She revealed that a draft migration policy has been prepared and submitted to the Council of Ministers.

She also highlighted efforts to prevent irregular migration, strengthen domestic employment opportunities, expand legal overseas employment, and repatriate and reintegrate citizens who faced difficulties in various countries.

 The council is currently reviewing the implementation of tasks set last year during its annual meeting, which focused on preventing and controlling migration-related crimes and strengthening overall migration management policies and laws. It is anticipated that various directives will be approved to further improve migration management and bolster the Council's operational procedures.