Expert and Ministerial Meeting of IGAD Support Platform underway in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, November 20, 2023 (FBC) – The Annual Expert and Ministerial Stock-take Meeting of the IGAD Support Platform/Global Compact for Refugees kicked off in Addis Ababa today.

Participants include officials of IGAD member states, experts, development Partners, refugees and representatives of civil society organizations and the private sector.

“The meeting is aimed at evaluating the progress of the implementation of the Nairobi Declaration where Heads of State made pledges to improve protection space and solutions for refugees and forcibly displaced in the region”

The summit recognized the regional nature of impacts and solutions to displacement and called for a strengthened framework for regional integration and cooperation.

“Since 2017, IGAD Member States have pursued a regional approach in finding durable solutions for displaced population and their host communities following the March 2017 Special Summit on durable solutions for Somali refugees and reintegration of returnees in Somalia.”

“The IGAD region is home to one of the highest concentrations of displaced populations in the world with 1 out 5 displaced persons globally lives in this region,” Dr. Mohamed Elduma, Head of IGAD Health and Social Development Division said in his remarks at the meeting.