The East African Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) has been holding its annual ministerial stock- take meeting and IGAD support platform special summit here in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.
Speaking on the occasion on behalf of IGAD Secretary General, IGAD's Health and Social Development Division Director, Fathia Alwan stressed that there are more than 19 million refugees in the IGAD region, and more than 5 million are in refugee shelters in the countries of the region.
People in the region are suffering from displacement, mainly because of manmade and natural catastrophes, said Fathia Alwan, acknowledging IGAD member states for the commendable progress registered in implementing the Nairobi Declaration.
She also called for further joint efforts from IGAD members to find durable solutions.
The director appreciated Ethiopia and Djibouti, among others, which, she mentioned, are engaging in alleviating problems of displacement, such as crafting their own policies.
Ethiopian State Minister for Labour and Skills, Nigusu Tilahun, on his parts disclosed that Ethiopia will remain active actor to realize the objectives of IGAD support platform.
Regional Bureau Director for East and Horn of Africa & the Great Lakes, told EBC that Mamandou Balde stated that UNHCR is playing a pivotal role in helping Ethiopian government to get polices that help refugees crossing the border to Ethiopia.
The four-day IGAD meeting will end on the Friday, 24 Nov. with endorsement of agendas.