Addis Ababa, Ethiopia- The International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its project "Community-led Solution for Inclusive Socio-Economic Resilience towards Sustainable Peace in Conflict-Affected Areas in Ethiopia", in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace, and funded by the Republic of Korea (KOICA), continues to be instrumental in advancing governmental strategic priorities in the Somali and Oromia regions, particularly on providing durable solutions for displaced persons. 

Since its inception in 2022, the project has been able to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and host communities in areas of return and relocation. Community Based Planning (CBP) has been pivotal, conducting ten exercises in both regions and empowering 18 Community Management Committees (CMCs). This led to the development of ten tailoured Community Action Plans (CAPs) addressing specific community needs. In social cohesion and peacebuilding, IOM established ten Conflict Early Warning and Response (CEWARN) situation rooms in target woreda offices and implemented activities like Women Peace Ambassador trainings. In livelihoods, IOM distributed modern beehives to 100 households, provided agricultural inputs and farming tools to 302 households, and delivered business skills training to 1,500 households. 
 

During a joint field visit this month, H.E. Cherugeta Genene, Federalism and Conflict Management, State Minister of the Ministry of Peace (MoP), underscored the critical importance of implementing durable solutions for IDPs.  "We are committed to ensuring that internally displaced individuals can return to their previous livelihoods and rebuild their lives," State Minister Genene emphasized. He highlighted the progress, noting that displaced persons have transitioned from dependency on humanitarian aid to achieving self-sufficiency. "We must amplify our efforts to replicate IOM's successes across other regions facing similar challenges," he added.

On his part, the Country Director of KOICA Ethiopia Office, Mr. Cho Han-deog said: "I truly appreciate IOM’s and MoP’s dedicated efforts. KOICA Ethiopia aims to advance the nation to a low- and middle-income status by promoting manufacturing, improving health and sanitation, addressing climate change, and nurturing peace. Education is the cornerstone of societal progress, and providing adequate learning environments is indispensable for nurturing future generations. We must address ongoing needs and challenges, implement practical solutions like rainwater harvesting, and emphasize community ownership to ensure lasting impact and sustainable development." 

“This strong partnership between IOM, Ministry of Peace and KOICA shows our shared commitment to promoting durable solutions and fostering peace and resilience in conflict-affected areas of Ethiopia,” Emrah Guler, Head of Programmes for IOM Ethiopia said. "We are looking forward to further strengthen this collaboration and to see significant achievements leading to lasting and positive impacts on affected communities," he added.  

For more information, contact Hankyung Cho, Project Manager, Peace and Development coordination Unit, IOM Ethiopia or Kaye Viray, Media and Communications Coordinator, IOM Ethiopia.