A Socio-Economic Refugees Survey in Ethiopia, conducted by @RRSEthiopia, Central Statistics Service, UNHCR and the World Bank, has been launched today in Addis Ababa.

A Socio-Economic Refugees Survey in Ethiopia, conducted by @RRSEthiopia, Central Statistics Service, UNHCR and the World Bank, has been launched today in Addis Ababa.

In his opening remark, @RRSEthiopia Deputy Director General Mulualem Desta outlined that the launching of the Survey marks a significant milestone in the shared commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of refugees in the country.

He went on saying that relevant actors should take bold measures and ensure that refugees are given the opportunity to unlock their potentials and empowered to thrive accordingly.

Mulualem said: “The Survey will provide us with invaluable data to formulate evidence-based policies and programs by better understanding the needs, challenges and aspirations of refugees, paving the way for more targeted and impactful interventions. Most importantly, it will help us build a future where no one is left behind.”

Another speaker was Biruhtesfa Mulugeta, also @RRSEthiopia Deputy Director General who reiterated that the event represents a significant advancement in the effort to redefine the future of refugees in Ethiopia by steering it towards self-reliance, dignity and empowerment.

Biruhtesfa noted that the Survey aims to amplify the voices of refugees and acknowledge their potential and contribution to society, which helps them embark on self-reliance.

“Self-reliance embodies a transformative vision aimed at empowering refugees to become productive agents of change rather than mere recipients of assistance. It is in harmony with the goals of the Global Compact on Refugees and Ethiopia’s forward-thinking refugee Proclamation, which facilitates access to education, employment and land,” he said.

UNHCR Deputy Country Representative Margaret Ateino and World Bank Country Director Maryam Salim seized the opportunity where they lauded the commitment of the people and government of Ethiopia in upholding their long-established tradition of protecting refugees.

They stressed that the data contained in the Survey would greatly contribute to the implementation of the MAKATET Roadmap – Ethiopia’s bold initiative aimed at including refugees in its national service system.

Present on the launching event were colleagues from RRS, CSS, UNHCR, WB and relevant partners, among other participants.