Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs held consultative meeting with co-hosts of Leaders Summit on Refugees which would be held on September 20 on the margins of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Taye Atske-selassie noted, Ethiopia as the leading host for refugees in the continent is doing its best to make refugees part of the sustainable development program in the country.
According to Ambassador Taye Ethiopia has finalized a proposal that is expected to make a significant number of refugee beneficiaries by generating job opportunities, and providing access to education and enrollment packages, health services, vocational trainings, etc.
Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, Representative of the UNHCR, noted her office was working closely with the government of Ethiopia to improve the living conditions of refugees by embarking on sound policies and strategies.
She said the LSR would galvanize significant new global commitments to increase funding to humanitarian appeals.
US Ambassador to Ethiopia Patricia Haslach on her part said the U.S. government looks forward to continue fostering partnership and commitment with Ethiopian government regarding refugee issues.
Two weeks ago, the US Embassy in Ethiopia announced: “the importance of Ethiopia as a key player in responding to refugee needs is highlighted by the fact that Ethiopia will serve as one of 7 co-hosts for President Obama’s Leaders Summit on Refugees.”
The Leaders summit is said create platforms to urge countries admit more refugees through resettlement or other legal pathways and increase refugees’ self-reliance and inclusion through opportunities for education and legal work. (MFA)
