Assosa: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has emphasized that Ethiopia’s refugee handling could serve as a model for other countries. Speaking at a consultation forum held in Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz region to discuss the handling of Sudanese refugees in the Ura district, UNHCR Country Representative Andrew Mbogori commended Ethiopia’s role in hosting Sudanese refugees as a model for other countries.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the consultation forum was attended by high-ranking officials, including Teyiba Hassen, Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RSS), Ashadli Hassen, Chief Administrator of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, Andrew Mbogori, UNHCR Country Representative, Sophie From-Emmesberger, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, and other representatives from international organizations.
Having commended the handling of the Sudanese refugees, Mbogori emphasized the need for continued collective assistance for the refugees. He also pledged UNHCR’s commitment to improving the lives of refugees and host communities through infrastructure development, such as roads and water supply around the camps.
Teyiba Hassen, Director General of RSS, recalled that Ethiopia has hosted a large number of refugees, especially the Sudanese fleeing from the political crisis in Sudan. She also praised the Benishangul-Gumuz region for its effective handling of the refugees.
Ashadli Hassen, Chief Administrator of the Benishangul-Gumuz region, stated that the region shelters over 108,000 refugees from various countries, including Sudan. Stating the efforts to expand social services in refugee-hosting areas, he stressed the need for humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of the refugees.