A panel discussion organized by IOM on the Regional Migrant Response Plan (MRP) for the Horn of Africa and Yemen took place on April 16, 2024 at the IOM Head quarter.
Mr. Daniel Tenkir, Minister Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva was one of the panellists and presented Ethiopia’s efforts to address the root causes of irregular migration through job creation, skills development, easing access to credit facilities, and promoting entrepreneurship.
Mr. Daniel noted that irregular migration, human trafficking and smuggling remain key challenges for Ethiopia. In his briefing about the migratory routes that Ethiopians usually use, and he stated that the challenges related to irregular migration can not be addressed by a single state alone rather it needs international cooperation.
He emphasized on the need to invest in long-term development projects in areas prone to irregular migration, enhancing protection and sustainable reintegration. He outlined the measures taken by the government of Ethiopia in repatriating vulnerable migrants from the Middle East, particularly Yemen and the Southern routes. Ethiopian irregular migrants are vulnerable to different abuses and human rights violations and that respect for the human rights of migrants is critically important.
More than 100 participants attended the panel both in person and virtually. The panellists were representatives from Ethiopia, Norway, Save the Children, USA and Yemen.
