Visit to Ethiopia by Ambassador OIKE Atsuyuki as Chairperson of UNHCR’s Executive Committee
(Photo UNHCR)
From 18 to 26 April 2026, Ambassador OIKE Atsuyuki visited Ethiopia in his capacity as Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The purpose of his visit was to strengthen cooperation on refugee protection and sustainable solutions through engagement with refugee representatives, government counterparts, UN partners, and other stakeholders. Exchanges focused on Ethiopia’s role as a leading refugee-hosting country and its continued shift toward integrated approaches that link humanitarian response, development priorities, and long-term resilience. Stakeholders discussed practical ways to support both refugees and host communities through enhanced coordinated action.
After arriving in the country, Ambassador OIKE engaged in a series of activities combining field visits and consultations with stakeholders. In the Somali Region, he visited refugee settlements in Melkadida, where he met with people from local communities and observed programs supporting improved access to education, basic services, and livelihoods. In this way, the Ambassador saw firsthand how progress is being made toward greater self-reliance and expanded opportunities in refugee-hosting areas.
In Addis Ababa, activities revolved around coordination among humanitarian and development actors and on how these efforts are being translated into practice. While in the city, Ambassador OIKE met with the UN Country Team and gained insights into inter-agency coordination under the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. These exchanges led to discussions with national authorities and development partners on Ethiopia’s approach under the humanitarian-development-peace (HDP) nexus, which is widely recognized as a strong example of coordinated action. The visit also provided an opportunity to reaffirm support for a joint initiative involving the Government of Ethiopia, the Government of Japan, UNDP and UNHCR (and currently under consideration by the Green Climate Fund), aimed at strengthening climate resilience in refugee-hosting areas.
These exchanges underscored Ethiopia’s continued commitment to refugee protection and its efforts to expand sustainable and inclusive solutions. They also reaffirmed the importance of sustained international cooperation to support these priorities.