The International Organization for Migration Special Liaison Office in Ethiopia (IOM SLO) organized a consultative meeting with religious leaders, an initiative to enhance their role in combatting irregular migration. The consultative meeting held in September 16 brought together 2,014 participants from different religious institutions in Ethiopia. Speaking on the occasion, Pastor Dr. Wassihun Idosa from the - Mekane Yesus Church said, he appreciates the effort IOM has put in to combating irregular migration from Ethiopia. “It would be good to invite religious leaders in the different awareness raising campaigns as well,” he said.

Discussing on the major role religious leaders can play in stopping irregular migration, State Minister at the Prime Minister’s office and a coordinator of the National Anti-Human Trafficking Council Mr. Solomon Tesfaye, stated during his opening speech that, “The Community Conversation module prepared by IOM has now reached grassroots community members in the most vulnerable communities. With the help of religious leaders we hope to strengthen the efforts at the grassroots level.” The IOM SLO Chief of Mission and Representative to the AU/ECA/IGAD, Josiah Ogina on his part said, “In rural communities, especially where access to various channels of information is limited, religious leaders continue to play a very important role in sensitizing community members. In the fight against HIV/AIDS, the role of religious leaders has remarkably been witnessed where the behaviour of the public have been influenced successfully contributing significantly to prevention efforts against the HIV scourge.” The Chief of Mission stated that similar approach can be applied to the efforts in combating irregular migration. IOM SLO has been supporting ongoing community conversation and forum theatres at the grassroots level. The involvement of the religious leaders will further expand the awareness raising efforts.