July 17, 2023 (ARTA, Djibouti) : The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in partnership with GIZ has commenced a national consultation meeting, with governments and private sector, on Kampala Declaration on Jobs, Livelihoods and Self-Reliance for Refugees, Returnees and Host Communities, today, in Arta, Djibouti.
The main objective of the two – day meeting is to assess the progress made in the implementation of the action plan resulting from the Kampala declaration. It is also the way to identify structural and temporary obstacles, whether political, legal or administrative.
The meeting was officiated by the Director of Health and Social Development Division of IGAD, Madam, Fathia Aboubaker Alwan, the Executive Secretary of ONARS, Mr. Houssein Hassan Darar, Mrs. Kokebe Hailegabriel, GIZ executive, in charge of a project on migration management with IGAD, as well as the prefect, Mr. Hassan Dabaleh and the president of the Arta region, Mr. Elmi Bouh.
In her opening remarks, Madam, Fathia Alwan, Director of Health and Social Development Division of IGAD, described that the national consultation of Arta is an opportunity to assess the progress made by Djibouti in the implementation of the action plan resulting from the Kampala declaration.
“IGAD is starting its national meetings in Djibouti, which hosts and chairs IGAD.” She added.
The Director also welcomed the active participation of the private sector, refugee communities and civil society actors.
The Executive Secretary of ONARS, Mr. Houssein Hassan Darar on his part explained that the Republic of Djibouti organized two national consultations on the theme of durable solutions in response to forced displacements in the region.
“I urge this meeting possible to formulate recommendations aimed at removing the obstacles and constraints that prevent the implementation of durable solutions for the inclusion and empowerment of refugees.” He stressed.
He also encouraged international partners and private investors to fully mobilize to support host countries in the implementation of durable solutions for refugees and host communities.
On behalf of GIZ, Ms Kokebe Hailegabriel Dagne , Team Leader of the Strengthening IGAD Migration Policy Implementation (SIMPI) Project, hailed the progress of the Republic of Djibouti in the inclusion agenda since the signing of the Kampala Declaration .
She added that the national consultation was also very timely as the government of Djibouti prepares for the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva in December 2023.
“As such, the two-day workshop will be an opportunity to identify the commitments of the government of Djibouti that can be aligned with the regional commitments on durable solutions and climate change that are being developed by IGAD.” Ms Kokebe stated.
The prefect, Mr. Hassan Dabaleh, and the president of the Region, finally wished full success to the work of this national consultation.
The expected outcomes will be improved understanding by both private sector actors and government counterparts of the Kampala Declaration and its Action Plan in order to help break down barriers; build relationships; create contacts that promote trust, including, identifications of IGAD member national priorities and areas of needs to possibly kick-start pilot activities, and mobilize resources, as well as, ways of working and explore implications for collaboration to implement the Kampala Declaration.
It is to be recalled that the IGAD Kampala Declaration on Jobs, Livelihoods, and Self-Reliance for Refugees, Returnees and Host Communities was adopted by IGAD member states in Kampala, Uganda in March 2019.
