ERCS, Swedish Red Cross Launch National Migration and Return Program
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in partnership with the Swedish Red Cross (SRC), has launched the National Humane, Dignified, and Sustainable Migration and Return Program in Addis Ababa to provide principled, people-centred humanitarian support to migrants and returnees in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions.
The launch workshop brought together key stakeholders and partners, including representatives from government institutions, United Nations agencies, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and Partner National Societies (PNSs) working to address the complex humanitarian challenges of migration.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H.E. Magnus Lennartsson, Ambassador of Sweden to Ethiopia, Djibouti, and South Sudan, and Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU), IGAD, and UNECA, highlighted the value of the partnership between SRC and ERCS.
He noted that the collaboration combines local knowledge, community trust, and global experience, and commended the vision and dedication of the two sister National Societies.
Ato Abera Lulessa, Secretary General of ERCS, said the launch of the program marks another milestone in the strong partnership between ERCS and SRC and reflects their shared commitment to a more coordinated, people-centered, and sustainable migration response.
He expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Sweden, SRC, and all partners for their continued support, and called for strengthened long-term cooperation to enhance community resilience and protect human dignity.
Dr. Asha Mohammed, Head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Cluster Delegation to Ethiopia and Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the African Union and international organizations, reaffirmed IFRC’s readiness to support both ERCS and SRC in translating the program’s objectives into tangible and sustainable results for people in need.
The National Humane, Dignified, and Sustainable Migration and Return Program will be implemented by ERCS in the Amhara and Oromia regions from 2026 to 2028, with €1.4 million in funding from the Swedish Red Cross through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
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