15 November 2024 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Kindgom of the Netherlands, along with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, other line Ministries, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced the launch of the second phase of the Cooperation on Migration and Partnerships to Achieve Sustainable Solutions (COMPASS) programme, highlighting their joint commitment to migrant protection, strengthened migration governance, reintegration of migrant returnees, efforts to reduce irregular migration, and capacity strengthening at local and national levels to protect people on the move.

Ethiopia is major country of origin and transit of migrants in the Horn of Africa. Recognizing the challenges involving migration,, the COMPASS programme—a strategic partnership between IOM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands—was launched in 2021 across 14 countries, including Ethiopia. The partnership's extension into a new phase, continuing through 2027, was announced earlier this year.

The first phase of the partnership yielded important results in the areas of protection, reintegration assistance, capacity building, and awareness raising on the risks of irregular migration in Ethiopia. Key phase 1 achievements include:

• 311 migrants were assisted with return and post-arrival assistance. 263 migrants were provided with tailored socioeconomic reintegration assistance.
• 447 government officials received training on identification, referral, protection and assistance of vulnerable migrants and returnees.
• Support to the work of the National Partnership Coalition on migration, including the development of national migration policy.
• 350 migrant returnees and aspiring migrants were supported through a community-based reintegration project in Jimma Zone on vegetable grafting and marketing, large-scale poultry farming and animal feed production.
• 229 returnees and host community members were supported in South Wello Zone in an irrigation project.
• 150 migrant returnees and host community members were supported in East Hararghe Zone on a project on recycling plastic and creating charcoal briquettes from khat straws.

At the launch, held at the Netherlands Embassy in Addis Ababa announcing COMPASS’ second phase for 2024 - 2027, representatives from IOM, the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, the National Partnership Coalition, other government entities, and local organizations working on migration, underscored the impact of COMPASS during its first phase and expectations for the project’s second phase.

H.E. Christine Pirenne, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Ethiopia, stated: “The Dutch government advocates for a 360-degree approach to migration that underlines the importance of protection and safeguarding human rights as well as border management, migration management, and return.” She added: “Many of these priorities are reflected in COMPASS in the areas of migrant protection, reintegration support, strengthening migration governance, and raising awareness on the risks of irregular migration.” 

Ethiopia's State Minister for Social Affairs, H.E. Mrs. Huria Ali Mahdi, emphasized the country's dedication to addressing irregular migration through collaboration with international partners. "We are dedicated to working with IOM and international partners to address the root causes of irregular migration," Mrs. Huria Ali Mahdi stated. She highlighted the government's proactive approach in tackling this complex issue and emphasized the importance of creating sustainable solutions in collaboration with international organizations.

Irregular migration presents significant challenges to Ethiopia. The COMPASS programme has significantly improved understanding of these challenges and resulted in collaborative efforts with the government to strengthen migration governance frameworks at national and local levels.

The second phase of COMPASS, spanning from 2024 to 2027 will continue to strengthen migration governance by enhancing government frameworks and capacities at national and local levels. It also aims to boost interagency and intersectoral cooperation on migration management and protection issues. At the community level, initiatives will be implemented in high-mobility areas to reduce irregular migration, protect migrants, support returnees' reintegration, and enhance community cohesion and development. At the individual level, COMPASS will provide protection to stranded migrants on key migration routes and assist the government in tracking data and reintegration efforts for returnees in Ethiopia.

"The COMPASS 2.0 project is a testament to our commitment to addressing the challenges of irregular migration," said Abibatou Wane, Chief of Mission of IOM Ethiopia. Ms. Wane expressed her enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the IOM’s dedication to tackling the complex issue of irregular migration.

For more information, please contact:

21. Girmachew Zewdu, Senior Policy Officer at Embassy of The Netherlands in Ethiopia: girmachew.zewdu@minbuza.nl or +251965604830

Or visit: www.iom.int/compass