Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh stated this on his social media accounts after visiting the headquarters of the Refugee and Returnee Service to review the significant institutional reforms implemented using the institution’s own resources.

Tiruneh noted that these reforms go beyond improving the physical work environment, also encompassing the strengthening of the institutional culture, the improvement of service quality, and the creation of lasting organizational capacity.

He emphasized that the coordinated efforts of the Service’s leadership, its staff, and refugee communities—both at headquarters and in the offices of the eight regions and 25 reception centers—demonstrate that significant institutional transformation is possible through commitment, collaboration, and self-reliance.

He particularly highlighted the implementation of the “Bounty of the Basket” initiative in areas such as livestock development, fruit and vegetable production, poultry farming, beekeeping, and plant cultivation.

These efforts, he stated, demonstrate that institutional reform should not be evaluated solely by workplace improvements, but also by productivity, livelihoods, and tangible results.

Currently, Ethiopia hosts more than 1.1 million refugees from various countries, a responsibility that, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, extends beyond safeguarding their rights and dignity to include strengthening their integration with host communities and expanding their access to development opportunities. He identified the implementation of digital identification as an important step toward facilitating greater social and economic participation.

He commended the progress made by the Refugee and Returnee Service and urged them to continue these efforts with renewed determination, greater ambition, and a sustained commitment to achieving results.

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