Ethiopia, UNHCR agree to buttress cooperation

Addis Ababa, December 15, 2023 (FBC) – Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, conferred today with Commissioner of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi in Geneva, Switzerland.

Participating in the second edition of the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, Demeke exchanged views with the Commissioner on ways of furthering cooperation with the UN body.

Demeke commended Mr. Grandi on the success of the High Level Forum and called up on international partners to support Ethiopia, a country hosting over one million refugees.

Ethiopia made six more pledges for refugees with particular focus on climate, private sector involvement, and digital connectivity among others.

Commissioner Filippo Grandi, on his part, lauded Ethiopia’s declaration of six new pledges and reaffirmed his commitment to support their implementation, as per MFA Ethiopia.

Mr. Demeke also had a productive discussion with Robert Piper, the United Nations Special Adviser on Internally Displaced Persons. Both sides agreed to protect and assist IDPs and further enhance their return to their areas.