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Ethiopia

Ethiopia to Serve as Exemplary for Economic Inclusion of Refugees

Addis Ababa November 06/2018 Ethiopia is setting example for the world in sustainably managing the economic inclusion of refugees by balancing it with local demands, according to Ethiopian Investment Commission.

In an exclusive interview with ENA, EIC Deputy Commissioner of Anteneh Alemu said “what we are doing here is exemplary to the international community as to how to tackle the issue of migration.”

There is a growing immigrant xenophobia sentiment in mostly the developed world, he said, adding that “we want to show the world that is not really the way to handle it. The way to handle this is by actually creating opportunities for refugees.”

Anteneh stressed that creating jobs for citizens is the first priority of the country. Since Ethiopia is also a host to many refugees, however, creating job opportunities for the refugees is the second priority.

Ethiopia hosts the second largest refugee community in Africa. The country hosts close to 900,000 refugees, mainly from neighboring countries.

According to the deputy commissioner, the refugees mainly originate from the Horn of African countries. “It’s therefore important to ensure the stability of the country and ensure the stability of the Horn.”

Industrial parks and light manufacturing industries are among the major areas of engagement for refugees after the completion of all necessary legal frameworks, it was learned.

UNHCR Country Representative Clementine N. Salami said 85 percent of world’s refugees are hosted by low or middle income countries such as Jordan, Ethiopia and Uganda to mention a few.

“All major stakeholders need to create solutions that enhance economic inclusions for refugees and the communities that hosted,” she noted.

Salami praised the commitment of Ethiopia to sustainably mange the lives of refugees apart from being the home of migrants on temporary basis.

According to her, refugees are often regarded as risks for the host communities. However, most of these individuals who come into these countries were working as doctors, engineers, experts, and entrepreneurs in their countries.

“It is, therefore, important to acknowledge the potentials of these people and what they bring to the host community,” she concluded.