European Union, UNHCR launch project to advance refugee inclusion and resilience in Ethiopia's Somali region

ADDIS ABABA - The European Union, in partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Government of Ethiopia, has launched a major new initiative to strengthen refugee inclusion and support sustainable solutions in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. With a total budget of €14.26 million, including €12 million from the European Union and €2.26 million from UNHCR, the project will benefit more than 20,000 refugees and over 52,000 host community members and internally displaced persons in Kebribeyah.

This initiative aims to expand access to basic services for refugees and host communities in Kebribeyah, Somali Region. Implemented by UNHCR in close partnership with the Government of Ethiopia and the Somali Regional State, the project supports the delivery of key pledges under the Makatet Roadmap, which promotes inclusion and equitable access to basic services. By facilitating integration into national systems, the “Advancing Refugee Inclusion in the Somali Region, Ethiopia” (ARISR) project contributes to building stronger, more cohesive communities. The project is also aligned with the Somali Regional State Multi-Year Resilience Investment Plan (2023–2028), reinforcing the region’s vision of resilient communities capable of achieving peace, stability, and sustainable development.

The project will expand access to housing, education, health, and waste management while also strengthening governance institutional capacity to ensure inclusive and sustainable service delivery. Through the project, approximately 875 affordable housing units with 436 shared sanitation facilities will be constructed, along with improvements to Kebribeyah’s spatial planning and infrastructure. New classrooms and a library will also be put up and targeted school solarized and fully integrated into the regional education system. Health facilities will also be expanded and medicines provided to enhance the delivery of medical care. Solid waste management systems will also be strengthened.

This joint action reflects a shared commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that refugees and host communities have the tools and opportunities needed to build a better future.

The launch of ARISR project marks a significant step toward achieving the goals of the Makatet Roadmap and the Somali Regional State Resilience Plan, fostering an environment where everyone - regardless of status – can access essential services and contribute to sustainable development. Implementation begins immediately, with activities designed to deliver tangible benefits for both refugees and host communities across Kebribeyah and surrounding areas.

END

For more information, please contact:

• (European Union) Solomon Kebede, [email protected], +251 11 6612511
• (UNHCR) Sona Dadi, [email protected], +251 932 459 640
• (UNHCR) Ali Fille, [email protected], +251 920 601 498