Visit to Ethiopia by Ambassador Oike Atsuyuki, Chairperson of UNHCR’s Executive Committee highlights Ethiopia’s leadership in refugee protection and inclusion

In close collaboration with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Mr. Oike Atsuyuki, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, undertook an official mission to Ethiopia from 18 to 26 April.

The visit recognized Ethiopia’s strong record as one of Africa’s leading refugee‑hosting countries and its efforts to translate progressive refugee policies into concrete measures that improve the lives of both refugees and host communities. Building on its open‑door policy, the Government is advancing its “Makatet Roadmap” to promote self‑reliance, expand access to national services and reduce long‑term dependence on humanitarian aid. This is fully aligned with High Commissioner Barham Salih’s commitment to halve the number of refugees in protracted displacement who depend on humanitarian aid within ten years.

“Ethiopia’s commitment to transitioning refugees from aid to self-reliance, in line with pledges made in the context of the Global Compact on Refugees, was evident during my visit,” said Ambassador Oike. “I was particularly impressed by the Government’s efforts to integrate refugees into the national digital identification system, giving them the right to work and access financial services. At the same time, the international community is encouraged to respond with the necessary support, in the spirit of solidarity and international responsibility-sharing.”

In the Somali Region, Ambassador Oike visited refugee camps in Melkadida to witness firsthand how Government‑led programmes, supported by UNHCR and partners, are strengthening access to education, basic services and livelihoods for both refugees and host communities. Notably, he met refugee entrepreneurs engaged in different sectors such as agriculture, livestock husbandry and energy. “They were eager to expand their businesses, support themselves and contribute to the local community,” Ambassador Oike reported.

In Addis Ababa, Ambassador Oike met with the UN Country Team and learned about the effective inter-agency coordination under the leadership of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. He also visited an urban refugee registration site managed by UNHCR and a community centre run by the Jesuit Refugee Service.

While in the capital, Ambassador Oike held meetings with donors and met top officials from the Refugees and Returnees Service, the Ministry of Planning and Development, and the Ministry of Finance, where he had an opportunity to commend Ethiopia’s leadership in advancing integrated, area‑based responses that link humanitarian, development and peace efforts under the humanitarian‑development‑peace (HDP) nexus, which serves as a model. He also reaffirmed support for a joint project of the Government of Ethiopia with the Government of Japan, UNDP and UNHCR, currently under consideration by the Green Climate Fund, to strengthen climate resilience in refugee‑hosting areas.

“Ethiopia’s example shows that refugee protection and national development can advance together,” added UNHCR Representative in Ethiopia, Aissatou M. Ndiaye. “Continued international solidarity is essential so that the Government can sustain and deepen these gains for both refugees and the people of Ethiopia.”

Today, Ethiopia hosts more than 1 million refugees and asylum‑seekers from neighbouring countries, while also responding to internal displacement. Although faced with its own economic challenges, Ethiopia has demonstrated unwavering commitment to refugee protection and inclusion. It deserves enhanced support from the international community to reduce aid dependency, foster solutions and contribute stability and shared prosperity in the region.

END

For more information, please contact: