Addis Ababa, April 29, 2026 — Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Senior management welcomed Mr. Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at the Head Office for a high-level briefing.
RRS highlighted that Ethiopia continues to host a large refugee population, mainly from IGAD countries, with ongoing crises in Sudan and South Sudan driving new arrivals. However, growing resource shortages and security challenges—particularly in Gambela—are straining response efforts.
The discussion emphasized declining funding despite rising needs, calling for stronger, coordinated resource mobilization and improved allocation mechanisms. RRS outlined cost-saving measures already undertaken, including staff reductions, operational consolidation, and strengthened partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme.
RRS also reaffirmed Ethiopia’s progressive refugee inclusion agenda, aligned with commitments under the Global Refugee Forums, while stressing that implementation requires predictable funding and genuine international burden-sharing.
On durable solutions, RRS underscored local integration as a priority, alongside voluntary repatriation when conditions permit and expanded resettlement for the most vulnerable, in collaboration with regional actors and the African Union.
