UNHCR Commissioner appreciates Ethiopia’s leadership in refugee protection, assistance

Addis Ababa February 6, 2023 (FBC) – Commissioner of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, is currently in Ethiopia for a 3-day official visit.

According to UNHCR Ethiopia, the High Commissioner met with Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service – RRS Director General, Tesfahun Gobezay.

During the meeting Filippo Grandi expressed appreciation for the Government’s leadership in refugee protection and assistance, and reiterated UNHCR’s support to protect and find solutions for IDP’s.

The High Commissioner also met online and in person with some 800 staff members of the Agency and with urban refugee youth living in the capital.

I am back in Ethiopia, one of the countries hosting most refugees in Africa. I look forward to discussing with government and partners on ways to pursue solutions for refugees and internally displaced people, as peace efforts progress, Strong international support will be needed, High Commissioner Filippo Grandi posted in his Tweet.

The resilience and strength of these young people, who are university students, script writers, teachers, and who aspire to become doctors or engineers, scientists are a true inspiration, Filippo Grandi added.

He concluded the first day of his visit with a meeting with Catherine Sozi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia and heads of UN agencies.

During the discussion, he reaffirmed UNHCR’s engagement to joint efforts to guarantee lifesaving assistance and livelihood opportunities to those affected by conflict and drought.

By: Yonathan Yoseph