Addis Ababa – Government ministries in Ethiopia led by The Ministry of Women and Social Affairs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Data Sharing Protocol that will help improve the management of data on migrant returnees during their return and reintegration.

The MOU was finalized on 9 July with financial and technical assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Services (RRS).

"This agreement reflects our commitment to human rights principles. By facilitating robust data exchange, we are strengthening our ability to support migrant returnees effectively, addressing their specific needs, and improving reintegration programmes," said Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergoge Tesfaye at the signing event.

The memorandum establishes guidelines for collaboration by partners, defining duties that will ensure openness, privacy, and safety in the handling of data on returnees. It also emphasizes the significance of data ownership and explains the functions of all entities involved.

Top officials at the meeting emphasized the significance of the agreement and protocol, highlighting the necessity for cooperation and shared responsibility among all parties.

"The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the sharing of return and reintegration data represents a crucial step forward in our mission to provide effective assistance to vulnerable migrants,” said IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission, Abibatou Wane. “Ensuring the protection, lawful and fair collection, and confidentiality of the data we handle is paramount, as it reflects our dedication to safeguarding the privacy and dignity of the individuals we serve." 

The memorandum was signed by representatives of the Ministry of Information and Technology, the Ministry of Planning and Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Labor and Skills, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, Information Network Security Administration, the Federal Police Commission, the Ministry of Education, the Immigration and Nationality Services, Ministry of Innovation and Technology, and the Refugee and Returnee Services. 

Minister Tesfaye also revealed that the government will work with partners to set up a database on return and reintegration that will help improve decision-making and support. She said the database will be a trusted source of information for beneficiaries, researchers, policymakers, and the government.

RRS will provide the technical equipment needed for the database, while IOM will help with software development and user trainings.

The European Union supported technical working group consultations and will support development of the database through the Migrant Protection, Return, and Reintegration in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) Programme, which supports work to improve the welfare of migrants.

For more information contact: Eric Mazango emazango@iom.int or Absera Mekonnen absmekonnen@iom.int