The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) welcomed a delegation from the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL) on December 5, 2023, at its Addis Ababa office. The delegation included Mr. Claudio Delfabro D., Director of the Department of International Refugee Law and Migration Law, and Fiorella Spizzuoco, Outreach Assistant at IIHL.

IIHL is an independent, non-profit humanitarian organization founded in 1970 to promote human rights and the development of international humanitarian law, refugee law, migration law, and work on related issues. During their visit, the IIHL team engaged in fruitful discussions with EHRC, and other key stakeholders involved in refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights, and migration governance. These productive dialogues aimed to explore and identify potential areas of collaboration, paving the way for closer cooperation and partnership between the IIHL and these organizations.

EHRC Chief Commissioner Dr. Daniel Bekele with Mr. Claudio Delfabro D., Director of the Department of International Refugee Law and Migration Law, and Fiorella Spizzuoco, Outreach Assistant at IIHL

During their visit to the EHRC, the IIHL team embarked on a series of fruitful discussions involving multiple rounds of in-depth dialogue with thematic commissioners, directors of relevant departments, and dedicated staff members within the Commission’s Department of the Rights of Refugees, IDPs, and Migrants. This focused dialogue facilitated a comprehensive exploration of potential areas of collaboration between the EHRC and the IIHL, laying the groundwork for future joint initiatives in addressing critical issues concerning refugee protection, internal displacement, human rights, and migration governance.

Rigbe Gebrehawaria Hagos, Commissioner for Women, Children, Older Persons and Disability Rights (left) | Rakeb Messele, Deputy Chief Commissioner (right)

During the discussions, Enguday Meskele, Director of EHRC’s Department of Refugees, IDPs, and Migrants’ Rights, underscored the challenges faced by refugees, IDPs, and migrants, ranging from navigating intricate legal systems to obtaining necessities and rebuilding their lives. She highlighted the significance of international cooperation and partnership in overcoming these hurdles and safeguarding the well-being of these vulnerable populations.