UN High Commissioner Commends Ethiopia’s Refugee Inclusion Policy

Addis Ababa, June 22, 2026 (ENA)__The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Barham Salih, has commended Ethiopia's efforts to advance refugee inclusion, particularly through the recently launched Makatet Roadmap.

E emphasized that the Roadmap is a comprehensive national framework aimed at promoting the socio-economic integration of refugees while creating opportunities for host communities.

President Taye Atske Selassie held talks with the UN High Commissioner at his office, where the two sides discussed refugee protection, inclusion, and international cooperation.

Speaking to ENA following the meeting, Salih described the discussions as productive and constructive, underscoring Ethiopia's longstanding commitment to hosting refugees and providing them with protection and support.

"Ethiopia has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting refugees and creating an environment that enables them to live with dignity and contribute to society," he said.

The High Commissioner praised Ethiopia's role as one of Africa's largest refugee-hosting nations and welcomed the government's efforts to pursue durable and sustainable solutions for displaced populations.

He particularly lauded the Makatet Roadmap, launched on June 18, 2026, describing it as a landmark initiative designed to integrate refugees into national systems and empower them to become self-reliant rather than remaining dependent solely on humanitarian assistance.

"The Makatet Roadmap represents an important step toward ensuring that refugees have access to economic opportunities, social services, and livelihoods while also generating benefits for host communities," Salih noted.

The roadmap was unveiled in the presence of national, regional, continental, and international stakeholders and is expected to strengthen refugee inclusion by expanding access to employment, education, and essential services, while contributing to broader socio-economic development in host communities across the country.