A high-level validation workshop for the Inclusion Roadmap, Ethiopia’s National Framework for the Socio-Economic Inclusion of Refugees, was convened today in Addis Ababa, bringing together key government institutions, development and humanitarian partners, donors, as well as representatives of refugees and host communities.
The workshop aimed to build a shared understanding of the roadmap’s vision, priorities, and approaches; validate its strategic pillars and implementation modalities; and incorporate final stakeholder feedback ahead of endorsement. It also reinforced collective ownership and commitment to effective implementation.
The roadmap marks a shift from humanitarian assistance to a development-led approach, focusing on enhancing refugee self-reliance and promoting socio-economic inclusion while strengthening host communities. Its vision is for refugees and host communities to live peacefully, build resilience, and access improved services and economic opportunities.
Guided by key principles of a whole-of-government approach, the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, responsibility-sharing, protection mainstreaming, and recognition of refugees as part of the solution, the roadmap is structured around six strategic pillars: Environmental Protection and Climate Resilience; Economic Inclusion; Protection and Durable Solutions; Access to Basic and Social Services; Capacity Building, Systems Development, and Institutional Mainstreaming; and Partnerships, Coordination, and Advocacy.
Implementation of the roadmap will be overseen through a multi-tiered institutional arrangement, including a National Steering Committee with ministerial representation, a Technical Committee, and regional, city, and woreda-level steering structures. An Advisory Forum comprising humanitarian and development actors will further support coordination and strategic guidance.
The roadmap is expected to be officially launched soon, incorporating the valuable feedback gathered during today’s session.
The validation is successful with the financial and technical support of the WB, GIZ, UNHCR.
