Ethiopia calls IC to share burden and responsibility in protecting and assisting refugees

Addis Ababa, March 10, 2022 (FBC) – The 83rd Standing Committee of the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme meeting took place in Geneva from 8-10 March 2022.

During the meeting Ambassador Mahlet Hailu underlined Ethiopia’s longstanding tradition of hospitality for those seeking safety.

She stated that despite the adverse impact of covid-19, the diverse socio-economic and political challenges within the country, Ethiopia did not shirk away from its commitment but continued to maintain its long-standing open-door asylum policy for refugees seeking protection and assistance, with a well-established refugee response and coordination mechanism in place, supported by a solid framework of refugee law and procedures.

Moreover, Ambassador Mahlet Hailu emphasized the realization of pledges requires a collective effort from the international Community.

Underscoring the burden and responsibility are not equally shared, she requested to explore new avenues for increased effective responsibility and burden-sharing.

She also outlined the budget allocation for internal displacement in particular needs to be matched with UNHCR’s increasing engagement in the camp and shelter cluster of IDP responses.