The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in collaboration with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), and the Addis Ababa University Free Legal Aid Center, commemorated World Refugee Day under the theme ‘’Until Everyone is Safe’’ on June 22, 2026, in Addis Ababa. The event aimed to honor the resilience, contributions, and achievements of refugees, while raising awareness of their rights and promoting refugee protection, participation, and inclusion in Ethiopia.
The program featured a panel discussion on creating safe spaces for refugees in Ethiopia through Refugee-Led Organizations (RLOs). Representatives of RLOs shared their experiences and reflections regarding the significance of the right to organize for fostering refugee participation and leadership. They also highlighted the contributions of their organizations to both refugee and host communities, ongoing initiatives, and opportunities to further strengthen refugee participation and leadership. A question-and-answer competition was also conducted with the participation of urban refugee students, focusing on international, regional, and national legal frameworks governing refugee rights, as well as World Refugee Day.
During the conclusion of the program, it was emphasized that a coordinated effort by all stakeholders is crucial to strengthen the protection of the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, amplify their voices, address the challenges they face, and ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.