ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen strategic collaboration pertaining to refugees and Ethiopian returnees. The memorandum of understanding agreement (MOU), which was signed between the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and UNICEF, envisaged strengthening the two sides' collaboration in protecting and supporting refugees and Ethiopian returnees in the country, according to a joint press statement issued late Friday. The accord aimed to improve access to essential services including education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as child protection, social protection and education for refugees, Ethiopian returnees and other vulnerable communities, it said. The agreement also aimed to promote self-reliance and integration, strengthen protection systems and advocate for the rights of refugees and Ethiopian returnees, according to the joint statement. "This MoU is a significant step forward in our efforts to protect and support refugees and Ethiopian returnees in Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News December 09, 2023 12:13 UTC