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Ethiopia continues to receive thousands of migrants returning from countries in the region and the Middle East, in response to the COVID-19 global health pandemic. IOM, the International Organization for Migration, is assisting more than 9,400 migrants in the country’s quarantine facilities. During the past few weeks, migrants have been sent to Ethiopia from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan and other countries.
IOM is supporting the Government of Ethiopia to ensure that returning migrants receive medical care, food, shelter and other assistance during the quarantine, and even later help them return to their villages. There are 124 positive cases of COVID-19 in Ethiopia and three have died from the disease. It is feared that if the disease were to spread, the public health system could not cope with a major outbreak.
On Thursday (April 23), the Ethiopian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Dr. Ergogie Tesfaye, joined IOM Ethiopia Chief of Mission Maureen Achieng on a visit to one of the quarantine centers, the Sidist Kilo campus of the University of Addis Ababa, operated by the Government. from ethiopia
The two were accompanied by the UN Resident Coordinator for Ethiopia, Dr. Catherine Sozi. During the site visit, discussions were held with medical staff and managers about the needs of quarantined people and ways to improve existing facilities.
“IOM’s prompt response and support for migrants returning to Ethiopia is always appreciated,” said Dr. Ergogie. “As the coronavirus response requires harmonized efforts from all, we also appreciate the coordinated support we are receiving from UN partners.”
Eleven other sites in regional cities, primarily on college campuses, have become quarantine sites. More than 6,800 migrants have been received at these sites where IOM is providing various materials, such as sheets, soap and disinfectant.
“In response to the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, IOM staff is working on the front lines of the national response to the pandemic, as well as supporting the Ethiopian government structures deployed to work on the response” Chief of Mission Achieng said.
“The return of migrants during this crisis threatens capacities already depleted in Ethiopia and, to this end, IOM is responding to the direct needs of returnees, ensuring that facilities are run efficiently and reinforcing the national response, in in line with the needs of the government. “
After completing its quarantine period in Addis Ababa and other Regional States, IOM will work with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth Affairs to provide migrants with transportation to their villages from origin and reintegrate them with their families. .
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There are calls to ensure that migrants are treated fairly and equitably as countries in the region respond to the disease. IOM is calling for prioritization and protection of the most vulnerable and for migrants to be included in government response plans.
IOM has also assigned medical personnel to quarantine sites in Addis Ababa, and trained and deployed mental health and psychosocial services specialists to support the protection needs of migrants in quarantine centers across the country.
“It is essential to have better coordination among all stakeholders that are directly involved in responding to the holistic needs of Ethiopians returning home. By doing so, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is more likely to be successful.” says Dr. Sozi
The UN has called on countries to stop the detention of foreign migrants for immigration management purposes.
It has also urged countries to work closely with relevant national, regional and continental authorities to free migrants from overcrowded and insecure detention centers, and to provide adequate and safe shelters as an alternative.
