UN High Commissioner for Refugees Salih Strengthens Inclusion Strategies for Over 1.1 Million Refugees in Ethiopia
Ethiopia is emerging as a model for refugee protection and inclusion amid ongoing regional conflicts and instability. This was highlighted by UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Salih, during his inaugural visit to the country from June 18 to 22. Salih emphasized the importance of integrating refugees into local communities, stating that Ethiopia exemplifies how protection can coexist with inclusion and opportunity.
Ethiopia’s Commitment to Refugee Inclusion
Salih remarked that Ethiopia’s approach not only benefits refugees but also the host communities that embrace them. He called for increased international support and investment to bolster this leadership. During his visit, he participated in World Refugee Day activities with both refugees and local communities, engaging in high-level discussions with the Ethiopian government, the African Union, UN partners, and private sector stakeholders.
Ethiopia currently hosts over 1.1 million refugees and asylum-seekers, making it one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations. Despite facing economic challenges and regional instability, the country continues to provide safety for those fleeing violence and persecution.
Launch of the Makatet Roadmap
A significant highlight of Salih’s visit was the introduction of the Makatet Roadmap, a national framework designed to integrate refugees into Ethiopia’s national systems and services. This initiative aims to transcend short-term aid by ensuring access to essential services such as documentation, education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Salih noted that this initiative aligns with UNHCR’s “50 by 35” vision, which seeks to halve the number of refugees in protracted situations reliant on humanitarian aid over the next decade through enhanced inclusion and self-reliance.
Salih described the Makatet Roadmap as a practical, nationally-led approach that recognizes the need for refugees to have opportunities to learn, work, and rebuild their lives.
Engagement with Refugee Communities
On World Refugee Day, Salih visited the Ura settlement in Benishangul-Gumuz, where he met families who had fled Sudan due to the ongoing conflict. Approximately 45,000 families have arrived in Ethiopia since the crisis escalated in 2023. In Ura, newly arrived Sudanese refugees coexist with local communities, sharing access to services such as schools and healthcare. This highlights Ethiopia’s “solutions from the start” strategy, which integrates long-term development into emergency responses.
During his visit, Salih interacted with refugee entrepreneurs whose businesses are contributing to local economies in both Ura and Addis Ababa. He emphasized that with appropriate policies and support, refugees could transition from dependency to self-reliance, fostering growth and opportunities for the entire community.
Challenges in Refugee Camps
At Jewi camp in Ethiopia’s Gambella region, which accommodates nearly 450,000 South Sudanese refugees, Salih witnessed the severe impact of funding shortages. The camp is currently facing a critical shortage of medical personnel, with only one doctor available for every 70,000 residents. Salih described this situation as unacceptable and a moral failure, stressing the need for sustained international support for humanitarian assistance.
UNHCR, in collaboration with the Ethiopian government and other partners, is committed to providing protection and life-saving assistance to those forced to flee. However, significant funding shortfalls are hampering the scale and sustainability of the response.
Addressing Root Causes of Displacement
During his visit, Salih also addressed representatives from African Union member states, highlighting the intrinsic link between peace and displacement. He underscored the necessity for stronger regional and international cooperation to tackle the root causes of displacement.
On the final day of his visit, Salih presided over a High-Level Ministerial Tripartite Meeting with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda. He reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to collaborating with both governments to facilitate voluntary and safe repatriation as part of the peace process. The parties signed a joint communiqué aimed at enhancing support for voluntary returns and the reintegration of refugees when conditions permit.
Salih concluded by stating that displacement is merely one chapter in a refugee’s life, emphasizing that refugees should not be left in limbo for decades. His observations in Ethiopia demonstrated that with the right investment, support, and political will, durable solutions for refugees can transition from aspiration to reality.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-06-24 18:26:00 • By the Editorial Desk
