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01 October 2026
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo on Somali Region Visit 28-29 September 2026
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Speech
30 September 2026
Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia on the Northern Ethiopia Situation
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30 September 2026
164 women leaders graduate from Presidential Leadership Programme II
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Ethiopia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action by all countries – poor, rich and middle-income – to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. They recognize that ending poverty must go hand-in-hand with strategies that build economic growth and address a range of social needs including education, health, social protection, and job opportunities, while tackling climate change and environmental protection.
These are the goals the UN is working on in Ethiopia:
Story
11 August 2026
How a National Initiative is Turning 17 Hospitals into Life-Saving Hubs
A nationwide initiative to install medical oxygen plants at 17 public hospitals will reduce maternal, child, and surgical mortality rates by eliminating a perilous and costly supply chain that for years put patients at risk.The project, led by Ethiopia's Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Bank and UNOPS, has installed the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen system. It includes oxygen production, a vacuum system, and a medical air system at regional hospitals across the country. Each facility now produces up to 30 cubic meters of oxygen per hour, serving not only its own patients but also acting as a supply hub for other health facilities in surrounding areas.Previously, hospitals were forced to transport oxygen cylinders over distances of up to 500 kilometers along treacherous roads. Frequent valve breakages, delays, and the risk of explosions made the supply chain both dangerous and unreliable.Dr. Melaku Medehn, General Manager of Tercha General Hospital, said, "The situation at our hospital was critical. We had to travel nearly 500 kilometers to obtain oxygen. The challenge was not only the long distance, but also the delays, high costs, and significant financial burden involved. There were instances when patients lost their lives because oxygen supplies did not arrive in time."The new PSA systems operate with dual lines: one for filling cylinders for distribution to external clinics, and another for direct, uninterrupted supply to patient beds. The plants are equipped with automated safety valves and alarms, and can switch between lines automatically to ensure continuous patient care."Now we have oxygen just like we get electricity from the sockets. Wearing our white coats, our patients expect that we are there to give them solutions. We know we can give them medicine and everything, but we can't do anything without oxygen. Now, we finally have it,” Dr. Melaku said. The technology is designed for sustainability and safety, it has safety valves, automation, and alarms. It can automatically switch over from one line to another to ensure that the patient supply is uninterrupted.The 17 hospitals now serve as regional oxygen hubs, improving emergency preparedness and reducing transport-related risks for rural health facilities. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and reduce preventable deaths linked to oxygen shortages.The project was funded by the World Bank and executed with technical oversight from UNOPS, under the coordination of Ethiopia's Ministry of Health.
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Video
01 October 2026
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ozonnia Ojielo on Somali Region Visit 28-29 September 2026
Salaan, and good day.Earlier this week, I travelled to Ethiopia’s Somali Region with members of the Humanitarian and Resilience Donor Group. We went to look at a fundamental question: how do we move beyond recurrent cycles of drought, flood, and emergency relief toward lasting self-reliance?In Gode, we saw that this transition is already under way.At the Cilaan irrigation scheme, solar-powered pumps are allowing more than two hundred households to farm throughout the year. The community manages the water system through their own cooperatives, increasing production, strengthening household incomes, and proving that clean energy and water can break aid dependency.In Berano, displaced families and host communities are working side by side on irrigated land. Their harvests are supplying markets in Gode, generating income and restoring self-sufficiency.Wherever we went, people shared the same clear aspiration: the opportunity to work, produce, and build a secure future for their children.What we witnessed is the practical transition from relief to development. To make this change sustainable, we need to move to the next phase, which is creating scale, through investments by others, including private sector. The UN stands ready to work with private sector and financial institutions to transform the Somali region into an agricultural hub for the country.But none of this progress happens by accident - it is made possible by stability.As President Mustafe Mohammed Omer emphasized during our meeting, sustained peace is the foundation that allows farmers to plant, businesses to trade, and communities to plan for the future. Sustaining that peace also means confronting the past, healing, and accountability. I was encouraged by the groundbreaking work of the Regional Truth and Reconciliation Commission to document past violations and deliver reparations to victims. The TRC is one of the few such Commissions in Africa to deliver interim reparations for victims, as part of recognizing their dignity and preparing them for the journey to reconciliation. Every family in the Somali region has been scarred by decades of war, insurrections and armed violence. That history needs to be preserved, and memorialized, as a signpost of the departure from the past into a future of peaceful co-existence, dialogue and consultation.In this process, the Somali Region TRC is laying important foundations for a national cathartic process of accountability and reconciliation that should follow the end of the current armed conflict. The Somali Region is showing what is possible when a region invests in peace and productivity. Stable, recovering regions must not be overlooked in favour of others currently mired in armed conflict. Overlooking them may risk sliding backward into conflict. Now is the time for everyone to stay engaged: government, private sector, financial institutions, development partners, United Nations: to back what works, and to help take these proven local models to scale.Mahadsanid. Thank you.
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Story
11 August 2026
Champions of Change: Seven Ethiopian Ventures Showcase Innovative Solutions to Strengthen Food Systems and Resilience in Ethiopia
In the drought-prone landscapes of the Somali Region and the recovering agricultural communities of Tigray, a new generation of entrepreneurs is proving that some of Ethiopia's most promising solutions to food insecurity, climate change and livelihood challenges are already taking shape at the local level.From climate-resilient cactus production and livestock enterprises to poultry farms, dairy businesses and seedling producers, seven agrifood ventures took center stage at the IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge Ethiopia 2.0 Demo Day, showcasing innovative solutions designed to strengthen food systems, create jobs and build resilience for communities across Ethiopia.The event, organized by Iceaddis in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, brought together government representatives, development partners, investors, entrepreneurs and private sector actors to celebrate the achievements of the programme's second cohort and explore opportunities to scale locally led innovations.The seven selected ventures, drawn from the Somali and Tigray regions, represent entrepreneurs tackling challenges across the food system with practical and scalable solutions. Together, the ventures illustrate how local entrepreneurs are addressing critical challenges across Ethiopia's food systems, including agricultural productivity, value addition, climate resilience, nutrition and market access.Speaking during the event, Markos Lemma, Co-Founder and CEO of Iceaddis, emphasized the role of entrepreneurship in advancing sustainable development."At Iceaddis, we believe local entrepreneurs are key drivers of sustainable development and economic transformation," he said. "Through the IGNITE Food Systems Innovation Challenge, we are supporting bold and innovative solutions that address food security challenges, strengthen climate resilience, and create opportunities for communities. The ventures showcased today demonstrate the immense potential of Ethiopian entrepreneurs to build stronger and more sustainable food systems for the future."Launched in June 2025, the second round of the IGNITE Challenge targeted SMEs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs in the Somali and Tigray regions. The programme attracted 164 applications, representing a 45 percent increase over the first round and highlighting growing demand for support among innovators working to solve food systems challenges.Selected enterprises received equity-free catalytic grants, tailored technical assistance, mentorship, business development support and market linkages designed to help them strengthen and expand their businesses.For WFP, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to support food systems transformation through locally driven innovation."Innovation is critical to achieving sustainable food security and building resilient food systems," said Zlatan Milišić, WFP Country Director and Representative in Ethiopia. "Our vision in Ethiopia is to support locally driven solutions that empower communities, unlock economic opportunities, and strengthen resilience in the face of climate and food security challenges. Through our partnership with Iceaddis, we are supporting entrepreneurs to turn bold ideas into scalable solutions that can help shape a more food-secure, prosperous, and climate-resilient Ethiopia."The programme is implemented through WFP's IGNITE Innovation Hub for Eastern and Southern Africa, which supports entrepreneurs and enterprises developing scalable solutions that contribute to stronger food systems and resilient livelihoods.Building on the success of the first IGNITE Challenge in the Amhara and Afar regions, the second round reaffirms the commitment of WFP and Iceaddis to strengthening private sector participation in Ethiopia's food systems transformation agenda.As entrepreneurs engaged with investors, partners and potential customers throughout the event, Demo Day offered more than a platform to showcase achievements. It provided an opportunity to hear from investors, share experiences and build partnerships that can help transform promising ideas into solutions with impact at scale.The seven ventures may differ in their sectors and business models, but they share a common ambition: creating stronger livelihoods, improving food security and building resilience where it is needed most. Their innovations serve as a powerful reminder that the future of Ethiopia's food systems will be shaped not only by policies and programmes, but also by the ingenuity, determination and vision of local entrepreneurs working to create lasting change in their communities.
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Story
30 September 2026
164 women leaders graduate from Presidential Leadership Programme II
164 women leaders across Ethiopia graduated from the second phase of the Presidential Leadership Programme for Women Leaders (PLP II) in Addis Ababa, marking a transition from leadership learning to practical action.The graduation brought the alumni together for refresher training, reflection and networking, while providing an opportunity to review progress on personal and organizational action plans developed during the programme.The participants’ stories of transformation show that the programme’s impact extends well beyond the training room. Alumni report greater confidence, stronger emotional intelligence and strategic decision-making skills, as well as a deeper commitment to creating opportunities for other women. They have established mentorship and women’s support initiatives, expanded leadership training in their communities, strengthened workplace support for mothers, advanced women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated sectors, and transformed institutional challenges into practical solutions.Initiated by H.E. former President Sahle-Work Zewde, Ethiopia’s first woman President, the programme has produced more than 345 alumni across its two phases with support from the Gates Foundation.To learn more about the programme’s impact, read the below Stories of Transformation, featuring women leaders who share how the training has shaped their leadership journeys and inspired change in their workplaces, communities and beyond.
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Story
29 September 2026
Women and Girls Friendly Spaces Transform the Lives of Conflict-Affected Women and Girls
UN Women, in partnership with the Afar Community Initiative Sustainable Development Association (ACISDA) and local government stakeholders, established a culturally appropriate Women and Girls Friendly Space (WGFS) at Chifra Hospital, Afar Region to strengthen the prevention of and response to violence against women and girls, including conflict-related sexual violence. Designed to reflect traditional Afar homes, the facility provides a safe, confidential, and survivor-centered environment where women and girls can access psychosocial support, protection services, peer networks, and information on their rights.The WGFS offers individual and group counseling, peer support, awareness-raising sessions, and referral services, helping increase resilience, awareness, and help-seeking behavior among conflict-affected women and girls. To support economic empowerment, the center also facilitates income-generating activities such as traditional jewelry making, handicrafts, and milk collection materials.Over the past 10 months, more than 660 women and girls have accessed counseling, skills development opportunities, and essential support services. The project further strengthened women's economic resilience through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), enabling women to save regularly, access small loans, and rebuild their livelihoods.In addition, the initiative strengthened local coordination mechanisms, enhanced the capacity of essential service providers, equipped One-Stop Centers with critical medical supplies, and supported media professionals and traditional leaders to implemented interventions on violence against women and girls (VAWG) prevention, advocacy, and positive social norm change. Supported by the Gates Foundation, the project contributes to improved survivor-centered services, stronger referral systems, enhanced wellbeing and resilience of conflict-affected women and girls, and strengthened GBV evidence generation to inform policy and programming.
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Story
17 September 2026
From Dependence To Dignity: Netsanet Business Group Rebuilds Lives In Tigray
Eastern Tigray, Ethiopia - In Kokob Tsibah ward (kebele), where the hills of Eastern Tigray rise quietly against the horizon, a small patch of grazing land has become the centre of an unexpected revival. Every morning, thirteen men and women gather there, some with herding sticks, others with notebooks, tending to a growing flock of goats and sheep that now represents far more than livestock. For the members of the Netsanet Business Group, this shared enterprise is a lifeline, a turning point, and a declaration that recovery is possible.Among them is Yirga Teka, a soft‑spoken committee member whose life, not long ago, felt suspended between uncertainty and dependence. Before joining the group, he had no land, no income, and no way to support his wife and child. “I relied entirely on my parents,” he recalls. “I couldn’t even provide basic needs for my family, and it affected my confidence.”The years of conflict had pushed eight members of the group from their homes, stripping away livelihoods and stability. But when Yirga was selected for livelihood support under the Individual Measure 3 (IM3) project, implemented by IOM with funding from the European Union and the German Government, something shifted. “When I heard about the opportunity, I felt hopeful. I believed that if I worked hard, I could finally support my family independently.”That hope became structure. After receiving business skills training, the group drafted a business plan, elected committees, and opened a shared bank account to ensure transparency. With their first round of support, they purchased seventy‑eight goats and sheep. Soon, the grazing land filled with signs of renewal: thirty newborn animals, twenty more pregnant, and steady income from selling fattened livestock during peak market seasons.Members rotate responsibilities, feeding, watering, monitoring, and guiding the animals across the land provided by local authorities. The work is communal, but the impact is deeply personal.He once considered leaving his community in search of work, joining the many young people who migrate out of desperation. But today, he stands firmly rooted. “I received support from IOM that helped me start my own livelihood activity. I’m earning an income and supporting my family with dignity. This opportunity has given me hope and confidence for the future.”With a second round of support, the group expanded into ox fattening, another step toward stability and resilience. Their weekly meetings have become spaces of planning, accountability, and encouragement. Women and men share decisions equally, strengthening cohesion and trust.What began as a modest initiative has grown into a symbol of recovery. The Netsanet Business Group is not just raising livestock; they are rebuilding lives, restoring confidence, and proving that collective effort can turn hardship into possibility.“We are no longer just surviving; we are building a better future for our families,” Yirga says, his voice steady with pride.The group now dreams bigger - oxen trading, poultry production, milk businesses. Their plans stretch beyond today’s grazing fields, toward a future shaped by their own hands.By Tsadkan Kahsay , Senior Project Associate (Livelihoods), IOM Ethiopia
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Story
16 September 2026
A youth-led poultry cooperative gives entrepreneurs in Ethiopia a pathway to decent work
It all began almost ten years ago in Lemi Kura Sub-City near Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, when Tolera Alemu and nine other young entrepreneurs came together around a shared ambition: to create their own employment opportunities and build a business that could grow with them jointly and through cooperation.Like many youth-led initiatives, they faced the challenge of accessing working capital. Each entrepreneur contributed ETB 50,000, approximately US $320, for a total of ETB 500,000, or US $3200, to launch a poultry cooperative. Organizing collectively, they were able to mobilize resources and that’s how “Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative” was born.Their cooperative then connected with International Labour Organization (ILO)-supported Live for Generation, an organization promoting youth participation, leadership, and decision-making in social, economic, and civic life. Live for Generation gave them additional capital, which they used to buy feed for their animals and vaccines to protect them from disease."Access to additional finance came at the right time for our growth," said Tolera, the 32-year-old leader of the cooperative and father of one. "The support moved us forward."Tolera Alemu, leader of Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative, says he appreciated mentorship and financial assistance from the ILO.With improved cash flow, the “Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative” adopted a business model focused on purchasing newly born chicks, rearing them for a month and then reselling them. In its first production cycle, the cooperative purchased 1,200 chicks and earned a net profit of ETB 50,000 (approximately US$300), which the group reinvested by purchasing an additional 100 chicks.The cooperative also expanded into egg production."We have a vision to grow together and supply quality products to our customers," explained Tolera.Building capacity, confidence and collective actionAlongside financing, members say follow-up and mentorship from the ILO-led initiative helped them stabilize operations and plan for growth.Cooperative members work in shifts. They rotate responsibilities for feeding, watering, sanitation and temperature control, and they make key business decisions collectively and democratically, sharing risks, responsibilities and returns.For 24-year-old Biftu Debia, an accounting student who was unemployed before joining, the initiative has brought economic and personal transformation.Biftu Debia, a member of the youth-led poultry cooperative realized the benefits of working through cooperation."The support came at the time when we needed it most," Biftu said. "They motivated us to believe in our capacity and to think about expanding this business to reach more customers."The experience also changed Biftu's view of cooperative work. "In the past, I had heard it is hard to work as a group. I did not have a positive idea about cooperative formation," she said. "But that attitude has changed now that I see it working practically. I understand that it is possible to work together peacefully and grow together."In the long term, the “Tolera, Yakob and Friends Poultry Farm Cooperative” plans to expand production, increase its income and diversify its activities. Members also hope that as the business grows, it will contribute to the local economy by creating more employment opportunities for young people in the community.By Zelalem Alemenew Desta
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Story
20 August 2026
International Youth Day Celebrated in Ethiopia: Advancing Inclusive Innovation and Youth Leadership
Young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping Ethiopia's development through innovation, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and the use of digital technologies. As the country undergoes rapid digital transformation, new opportunities are emerging for youth to contribute to national development. At the same time, challenges remain, including the need to strengthen digital skills, promote safe and inclusive online spaces, and expand meaningful partnerships that enable young people to participate in decision-making processes and drive positive change in their communities.To mark International Youth Day, approximately 200 participants, including youth organizations, university students, innovators, government representatives, UN agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, and private-sector actors, gathered to celebrate the achievements and potential of Ethiopia's young people. The event aimed to showcase youth-led innovation, strengthen intergenerational dialogue, and generate practical recommendations on how young people can contribute to national development through technology, partnerships, civic engagement, and responsible digital citizenship.In his engagement with the youth, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (RC/HC) Ozonnia Ojielo (PhD) emphasized the importance of ensuring that innovation is genuinely inclusive. He stressed that digital opportunities must reach all young people, particularly young women, rural youth, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities, so that no young Ethiopian is left behind in the country's development journey. The RC/HC highlighted that equitable access to technology and innovation is critical to unlocking the full potential of Ethiopia's youth and achieving sustainable development.Calling on young people to take an active role in shaping their future, the RC/HC encouraged them to lead with confidence and creativity. He urged youth not to wait for permission to innovate, but instead to use their energy, ideas, and problem-solving skills to address challenges within their communities. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator expressed confidence in the strength, resilience, and determination of Ethiopia's young generation. Through innovation, collaboration, and strong partnerships, he noted, young people can transform challenges into opportunities and help build a more peaceful, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future. Mr. Ojielo also underscored Ethiopia's rich resources and long-standing experience in mobilizing local resources for transformative national initiatives. He emphasized that while external support remains important, greater efforts are needed to harness the country's own resources and create mechanisms that enable young people to become productive, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to national development.Representing the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Mr. Adinew Abera, Head of the Youth Organization Empowerment Desk, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to empowering Ethiopia's young people and creating an enabling environment for their success. He highlighted ongoing efforts to promote digital innovation, expand opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, and strengthen civic engagement. "At the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, we are doing our absolute best to build and nurture an empowered generation," he said, emphasizing the Ministry's dedication to ensuring that young people have the support, skills, and opportunities needed to thrive and lead. The celebration concluded with a strong call for continued investment in youth-led innovation, inclusive digital transformation, and multi-stakeholder partnerships that empower young people to realize their full potential. Participants reaffirmed that Ethiopia's youth are not only beneficiaries of development but also key drivers of the country's progress and transformation.
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Press Release
23 September 2026
UN Secretary-General statement on Ethiopia
The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the rapidly deteriorating situation in northern Ethiopia, including the seizure and occupation of the three airports of Mekelle, Axum and Shire, and reports of intensified fighting in and around Tigray and the spread of hostilities into neighboring areas.The Secretary-General calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate tensions, protect civilians, ensure safe and unhindered access for humanitarian partners to reach those in need, and avoid actions that could lead to a broader and more devastating conflict.The Secretary-General reiterates his support to efforts by the African Union, including the engagement of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, aimed at reducing tensions and reengaging the parties to resume talks in good faith under the framework of the Pretoria Agreement.
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Press Release
27 August 2026
Security Council Press Statement on August 24 Attack Against United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Peacekeepers
The members of the Security Council expressed their deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims and extended their full support to the affected troop-contributing countries. They wished a swift and full recovery to those injured.The members of the Security Council recalled resolution 2823 (2026). The members of the Security Council underscored that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and demanded a full, transparent, and immediate investigation. They insisted that those responsible be identified and brought to justice without delay and warned that impunity for such attacks is unacceptable. The members of the Security Council expressed deep alarm at the persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei State and its devastating toll on civilians, humanitarian workers, and peacekeepers alike. They demanded that South Sudanese political and community leaders engage in efforts and take immediate and decisive action to end the violence and ensure the protection of all those working to advance peace and security in South Sudan.The members of the Security Council noted the prompt activation of UNMISS’ emergency response procedures, including the deployment of a Quick Reaction Force.The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their unwavering support for UNMISS and its mandate to protect civilians and sustain the peace process in South Sudan. They emphasized that the Government of South Sudan must work with UNMISS, within its mandated capacity, to ensure the safety and security of its peacekeepers and to implement its mandate to protect civilians and to support the peace process in South Sudan.
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Press Release
25 August 2026
UN Secretary-General on the death of two UNMISS peacekeepers in South Sudan
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured, including three Ethiopian peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two UNMISS civilian staff. The Secretary-General expresses his deep condolences to the families of those killed and to their respective Governments and wishes all those injured a swift and full recovery. The Secretary-General reminds that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable.The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations’ commitment to stand with the victims and their families during this profoundly difficult time.Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-GeneralNew York, 24 August 2026
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Press Release
24 August 2026
UNMISS condemns ambush on its patrol in Jonglei, killing of two peacekeepers
Two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff.The Mission has deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response.“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.The Mission recalls that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.“I call on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” SRSG Gbeho added.Priyanka Chowdhury | Spokesperson |UNMISS| Tel: +211 912108281|
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Press Release
18 June 2026
Ethiopia Launches Groundbreaking "Makatet Roadmap", Ushering in an Era of Refugee Inclusion
Developed through an intense, nationally driven process involving federal and regional institutions, development partners, UN agencies, civil society and refugee representatives, this comprehensive framework established a unified blueprint for the socio-economic inclusion of refugees while significantly benefiting their gracious host communities. By shifting from temporary humanitarian relief to sustainable, government-led development planning, the roadmap set out to transform existing camp structures into cohesive, self-sustaining human settlements integrated with national service delivery systems.The high-level gathering at the Adwa Museum served as a national platform to present the finalized multisectoral framework and secure collective investment for its operational phase. The framework has officially been launched by Ethiopia's Honorable Speaker of the HPRs Ato Tagesse Chaffo and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, culminating in a cultural performance refugee youth group.The Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Madam Teyiba Hassen welcomed dignitaries at the ceremony by highlighting the operational shift towards inclusion, noting that the roadmap bridges the gap between the refugee operation and humanitarian landscapes."Today, we moved beyond encampment toward comprehensive town masterplans and integrated, shared services," the DG stated. "The Makatet Roadmap stands as our decisive answer to decades of fragmented assistance, as it’s a model where refugees and host communities grow together under a unified, well-coordinated, government-led system."Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance Mr. Ahmed Shide mentioned the macroeconomic and structural significance of anchoring this framework within domestic delivery systems to maximize resource efficiency."Sustainable economic resilience cannot be built in isolation," the Minister said. "With the launch of the Makatet Roadmap, the Government of Ethiopia transitioned from short-term humanitarian management to an inclusive development model that treats refugees as active contributors to our national growth. " The UN Resident Coordinator to Ethiopia Mr. Ozonia Ojielo underscored the international community's shared commitment to the framework, celebrating it as a triumph of cooperative planning."The UN family stands firmly behind this nationally driven vision," noted the Resident Coordinator. "The Makatet Roadmap is a testament to what can be achieved when government institutions, civil society and international partners unite around a shared goal."The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf lauded Ethiopia's progressive and commendable leadership on a continental stage."Ethiopia’s visionary approach aligns perfectly with our collective continental aspirations for inclusion, dignity and stability under Agenda 2063," stated the Chairperson. "By creating structural pathways for the social and economic inclusion of displaced populations, this roadmap serves as an inspiring example for the entire African Union, proving that displacement challenges can be transformed into opportunities for regional development and shared prosperity."The High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Barham Salih welcomed the shift, highlighting the initiative as a global standard for localized development and international responsibility sharing.“Ethiopia has set an important example by demonstrating that refugee protection and national development can—and should—advance hand in hand,” said the High Commissioner. “The Makatet Roadmap serves as a blueprint for translating that vision into practical action, creating greater opportunities for refugees and host communities alike. It is closely aligned with our 50 by 35 vision to reduce aid dependency by expanding opportunities for refugees living in protracted situations to become more self-reliant and access lasting solutions over the next ten years. UNHCR remains committed to standing alongside Ethiopia to mobilize international solidarity and the resources needed to turn these aspirations into reality.”The milestone event culminated with an address by Ethiopia's Honorable Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Ato Tagesse Chaffo, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia reaffirming his government's highest political commitment to executing area-based inclusion across all refugee-hosting regions."The Makatet Roadmap is not merely a policy document; it's a binding strategy for inclusion and development," declared Ato Tagesse Chaffo. "The Government of Ethiopia is fully committed to leading this transition. Through area-based planning and robust coordination, we will ensure that our national systems are strong enough to provide protection, opportunity and a better future for both refugees and the generous communities that host them."The Makatet Roadmap has successfully been launched, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia’s efforts to embrace refugees in its national systems. The initiative mixes policies, legal frameworks and area-based plans into a coordinated strategy to foster inclusion, resilience and shared growth in spite of resource constraints. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:RRS : Sileshi Demisew, sileshid@rrs.gov.et, +251 912 023 969 UNHCR : Sona Dadi, dadis@unhcr.org, +251 932 459 640
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29 April 2025
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29 April 2025
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