Addis Ababa, 17 April 2025 – The Government of Japan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) The Government of Japan and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are partnering on a new project aimed at enhancing response and recovery assistance for internally displaced persons and returnees in the rural areas of Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia.

With a budget of 500,000 USD and a duration of six months, the project aims to improve the living conditions of displacement-affected communities by strengthening access to basic services, promoting social cohesion, and providing protection interventions.

The Dire Dawa City Administration borders the Oromia and Somali regions. The city faces rapid population growth, high unemployment, and environmental challenges and serves as a key transit point for irregular migration to the Gulf countries. These factors, combined with recurrent drought, environmental degradation, and clashes at its borders, have severely impacted the livelihoods, food security, and access to basic services of the different population.

Through this project, IOM and Japan will provide critical humanitarian assistance targeting the most vulnerable populations in Dire Dawa’s rural kebeles (villages). The initiative will improve access to essential services, including water, sanitation, and hygiene, benefiting 15,040 individuals, with 7,821 being female and 7,219 male. Additionally, 21,400 individuals, comprising 11,128 females and 10,272 males, will receive healthcare support.

Protection and psychosocial support will also be strengthened, with 500 individuals, including 325 females and 175 males, receiving gender-based violence protection services. Furthermore, 8,200 individuals, with 4,264 being female and 3,936 male, will benefit from mental health and psychosocial support services.

“This partnership with the Government of Japan will allow us to provide critical assistance that improves access to essential services, strengthens social cohesion, and enhances protection for the most vulnerable,” says Abibatou Wane, IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission. “By addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term resilience, this project represents a step toward durable solutions for displacement-affected communities in Eastern Ethiopia,” she adds.

For more information, please contact Aïssatou Sy, IOM Ethiopia Media and Communications Officer, aisy@iom.int