Africa-Press – Ethiopia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen has reaffirmed Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to transform the lives of refugees and host communities.
Speaking at an event co-hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and the IKEA Foundation under the facilitation of UNHCR in Geneva, Switzerland, today, Demeke expressed his profound appreciation to the IKEA Foundation for its valuable partnership in co-hosting the Melkadida Refugee Compact and the Kebribeyah Integration Road Map.
Protecting and integrating refugees requires a multi-stakeholder partnership, including the private sector, Demeke noted, adding that the government has made a significant stride in integrating issues of refugees into national policies and basic services.
Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Director-General, Teyiba Hassan spoke at length about the history of hosting refugees in Ethiopia and expressed her gratitude to IKEA for its support.
Meanwhile, the deputy premier had a fruitful discussion with World Food Program (WFP) Assistant Executive Director, Valerie Guarnieri, on the margins of the Second Global Refugee Forum.
During the occasion, both sides agreed to further expedite humanitarian support operations in Ethiopia, utilizing the revamped aid distribution system, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Demeke lauded WFP for resuming aid delivery in Ethiopia and said that the government has put in place a prudent, transparent, effective, and accountable system to ensure that aid reaches only those in need.
Guarnieri said on her part the words of the Ethiopian government were in line with the actions on the ground in reforming an effective aid distribution system.
A three-day Global Refugee Forum 2023 has been taking place beginning from 13 December in Geneva, Switzerland, with linked events held in other locations.
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