Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Senior Management hosted UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih and his team.
The two sides held high-level discussions on advancing refugee protection, inclusion and sustainable solutions in Ethiopia.
The discussions recognized Ethiopia’s longstanding leadership and generosity in hosting refugees despite mounting humanitarian and development challenges.
They emphasized that the successful implementation of the recently launched Makatet Roadmap will require strengthened international solidarity, equitable burden-sharing and sustainable financing.
Key areas of focus included the importance of refugee documentation and digital identity systems to enhance protection, mobility, access to essential services and pathways to durable solutions.
The meeting also explored opportunities to mobilize greater support from development finance institutions, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank, particularly for refugee-hosting communities.
The discussion underscored the need for increased investment in critical infrastructure and basic services; and reaffirmed the importance of strong government leadership and sustained international advocacy to maintain support for the refugee response in Ethiopia.
Both parties expressed shared commitment to expanding livelihood opportunities, economic inclusion and self-reliance initiatives for refugees and host communities, reinforcing a collective vision of sustainable development, resilience and social cohesion.
