Addis Ababa – The Ministry of Justice of Ethiopia and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today signed an agreement, elevating their existing cooperation to a strategic partnership level.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Government of Ethiopia, in collaboration with IOM Ethiopia, has made substantial progress in establishing a robust migration governance system. He also acknowledged the Ethiopian government’s dedication to the Global Compact for safe, orderly, and regular migration.

The agreement was signed by Justice State Minister Alemante Agidew and IOM Chief of Mission to Ethiopia, Abibatou Wane. Wane highlighted that the agreement would enhance efficient coordination and collaboration between the two organizations, addressing the complexities of contemporary migration in Ethiopia.

He noted that Ethiopia serves as an origin, transit, and destination country for migrants. Annually, approximately 150,000 laborers migrate to the Middle East, with thousands more taking routes towards Europe or through the southern corridor. The chief emphasized the need for effective management of the social, economic, political, developmental, environmental, and humanitarian aspects of migration.

Justice State Minister Alemante Agidew described the agreement as a significant step towards enhanced cooperation. He noted that since its establishment in Ethiopia in 1995, IOM has supported the government’s efforts to manage migration effectively through various projects and programs.

The agreement symbolizes a joint commitment between the Ministry of Justice and IOM to maximize the benefits of migration at the country level and empower the ministry in its role in migration governance. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with various local and international institutions, has been promoting regular migration pathways and combating human trafficking. The Ethiopian government has maintained a close working relationship with IOM in all migration-related matters.