Arba Minch University (AMU) along with United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN-IOM), Center for Development and Emergency Practices (CENDEP), Oxford Brookes University (OBU), UK, and GERDA HENKEL STIFTUNG Foundation, Germany, kicked off a new project entitled “Shelter Project to Returnees in Konso Zone” and held experience sharing workshop on multiple displacements in South Ethiopia Regional State and way forward at Haile Resort - Arba Minch Hotel, Ethiopia, on 20th May, 2025. The initiative is being supported by the GERDA HENKEL STIFTUNG Foundation in Germany under the Accompanying Social Measures Program in collaboration with AMU and CENDEP at Oxford Brookes University, UK. Click here to see more photos.
Teklu Wegayehu (PhD), Vice President for Research and Cooperation Office, noted that the returnees often arrive bearing scars of hardship, trauma, loss and uncertainty. It is our moral obligation and shared responsibility to transform their journey from such crisis to care and hope, he said. Through this project, we aim to establish comprehensive shelter solutions, psychosocial support, and vital services that empower returnees to regain stability and dignity, Dr.Teklu revealed. Adding further, he noted, together, we will develop innovative and sustainable approaches that cater to their unique needs and foster resilient communities. The vice president also appreciated the collaborating organizations for their support in making this project a reality and also thanked staffs of School of Law for their relentless effort and contribution.
Tolera Seda (PhD), Director of Community Engagement and Industry Linkage, appreciated the generous support of the Gerda Henkel Foundation and the presence of all partnering organizations which reflected their shared commitment to knowledge, collaboration, and community-centered action. He also acknowledged for the time, expertise, and spirit of solidarity that each of them bring to the forum for the realization of the project.
Abreham Kinfe, the acting dean of school of Law, said, School of Law is committed to support people in need of legal services and effectively doing efficient researches and projects to support vulnerable communities. He also anchored the event program.
Different papers on the housing project by Sam Ponniah (PhD) and Silenat Derriba from AMU, IOM role in durable solution for displaced people by Kidist Mulugeta from IOM, Multiple displacement in South Ethiopia Region and way forward by Ephrem Tadesse from UNHCR, Migration and Human Trafficking by Yibeltal Walelign from CIVIPOL wheras representative from SCORE local organization led by Catholic Church in Ethiopia and representative from local organization EURIKA presented and shared their experiences.
In addition to these papers, two PhD scholar students from CENDEP OBU and AMU presented papers on challenges in navigating multiple displacements and findings of joint field research; finally, queries raised by participants and presenters reflected on the issues.
AMU officials, project team members from AMU Staff, Staff members from school of Law, higher officials from Konso Zone, different international and national civil society leaders or delegates of IOM, GIZ, UNHCR, SCORE, CIVIPOL, and EURIKA, members from CENDEP, scholar students from OBU,UK, and invited participants graced the event. Belayneh Birhanu (PhD) and Getinet Debalke moderated the program.
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