RRS, UNHCR, GIZ working to address energy needs of refugees, host communities

Addis Ababa, April 20, 2022 (FBC) – Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) in partnership with UNHCR and GIZ and other partners is developing a Multi-Actor Cooking Fuel Strategy to address the energy needs of refugees and host communities without endangering the environment.

The strategy includes environmental friendly energy sources such as biomass, solar and electric energy, RRS stated.

About 85pct of refugees in Ethiopia rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking, RRS said, calling partners to protect the environment through facilitation of renewable power alternatives.

During a trilateral discussion among RRS, UNHCR and GIZ representatives, RRS Deputy Director General Mulualem Desta praised the progress of the strategy and its importance to refugees and hosts in meeting their energy needs.