Addis Ababa, June 21/2016— The African Union (AU) has praised Ethiopia's sound handling of refugees despite the critical challenges it faced due to the El-Nino impact.
The various humanitarian supports Ethiopia is availing to the refugees from different African countries is commendable, according to the AU.
The acclaim came during the commemoration of this year's World Refugee Day in Tsore Refugee Camp in the regional state of Benishangul -Gumuz on Monday 20 June, 2016.
Dr. Aisha Abdullahi, Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Commission delivered speech at the event representing the AUC Chairperson.
The AUC representative mentioned the current grave humanitarian situation in the world including the continued loss of lives in the Mediterranean.
She also disclosed a 20 thousand dollars support to the refugee camp whose refugee population is composed of over 80 per cent women and children.
UNHCR Representative in Ethiopia Clementine Nkweta Salami on the occasion also commended Ethiopia's open door policy for refugees.
According to Zeinu Jemal, Deputy Director for the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) of the National Intelligence and Security Service, the country is working to improve the livelihoods of refugees sheltered in Ethiopia.
Speaker of the Benishangul-Gumuz State Council Fekadu Tadesse for his part assured those attending the event that the refugees sheltered in the camp will enjoy a close follow up and continued government support.
Despite mentioning shortage of water at the camp, some refugees also expressed gratitude for the support they are entitled to in Ethiopia.
Many participants including Ambassadors of different countries attended this year's World Refugee Day in the state which featured planting of tree seedlings.