The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the government of Japan and the African Union Commission and partners Friday launched a new multi-purpose hub in Addis Ababa to provide protection, counseling, trusted information, referrals and essential services for refugees, asylum-seekers, and other people at risk.
The hub, located at the Addis Ababa-Jesuit Refugee Service Centre in Kirkos subcity, brought together partners in one location to strengthen coordinated, route-based support for people on the move.
Through the provision of information, counseling, protection screening and referrals, the hub will enable individuals to make informed decisions about their options and better understand the risks associated with irregular movement.
“By engaging individuals at an early stage, the hub will help reduce exposure to risks, including trafficking, smuggling, exploitation, violence, and abuse, while facilitating access to assistance, protection services as well as safer alternatives such as education, labour and family reunification pathways,” said Aissatou M. Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative to Ethiopia.
Ndiaye said the multi-purpose hub represents the shared commitment of stakeholders to ensuring that every person on the move can access protection, reliable information, dignity and hope.
“Above all, this Hub is about restoring dignity, empowering people to make informed decisions,” Ndiaye added.
Noboru Sekiguchi, Japanese ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, said the hub reflects the value of coordinated action and practical support for refugees and migrants.
“Japan is pleased to support this important initiative, which strengthens protection and access to services for people facing difficult choices and risks,” Sekiguchi said
Multi-purpose hubs are physical, digital or hybrid spaces where refugees, asylum seekers, and other at-risk groups can access protection, counseling, information, referrals and services.
MG/as/APA