Addis Ababa, October 16, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia has been elected to chair the 78th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), reaffirming its longstanding commitment to refugee protection and international cooperation.
Addressing member states following the election, Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, expressed gratitude to the African Group for placing its trust in Ethiopia and to other countries for seconding the country’s nomination.
The ambassador underscored Ethiopia’s historical legacy of providing refuge to people fleeing persecution, recalling the protection granted by the ancient Kingdom of Aksum to early Muslims escaping persecution in Mecca during the seventh century.
He noted that the king of Aksum refused demands for their return to those persecuting them, describing the episode as an enduring example of the principle of non-refoulement, a cornerstone of the 1951 Refugee Convention.
“Long before this principle was codified in international law, Ethiopia’s history offered an enduring example of the importance of protecting those fleeing persecution and upholding the dignity of people seeking refuge,” Ambassador Tsegab said, emphasizing that refugee protection transcends borders, cultures, and generations.
“Refugee protection is a shared international responsibility,” he stated, stressing the need for collective action, equitable responsibility-sharing, and sustained support for refugees and host communities amid growing displacement and mounting pressure on humanitarian resources.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s engagement in the Global Refugee Forum and the recent launch of the Makatet Roadmap as part of the country’s efforts to advance refugee inclusion, self-reliance, and access to national systems alongside the development of host communities.
The ambassador emphasized that these nationally led initiatives require predictable international financing and meaningful partnerships to deliver lasting results.
Drawing on Ethiopia’s experience serving in the Executive Committee’s Bureau over the past two years, Ambassador Tsegab outlined the country’s vision for an effective, inclusive, and constructive committee that facilitates focused deliberations and provides meaningful opportunities for all members to contribute.
He pledged to encourage open and constructive engagement between member states and UNHCR while fostering dialogue and consensus to bridge different perspectives and advance shared objectives, guided by the committee’s rules of procedure.
Addressing the growing humanitarian needs and significant financial constraints facing the international community, Ambassador Tsegab stressed that reform and efficiency must reinforce the capacity to protect refugees and deliver assistance.
“Reform, efficiency, and the responsible use of resources must strengthen rather than weaken UNHCR’s capacity to deliver protection and assistance where they are most needed,” he said.
The ambassador also expressed appreciation to Japan’s Ambassador Oike, the outgoing chairperson, and the previous Bureau for their work over the past year.
He pledged Ethiopia’s close cooperation with members of the newly elected Executive Committee, the High Commissioner, UNHCR management, and the Secretariat to advance shared objectives and strengthen the international refugee protection system.
Ethiopia hosts more than 1.2 million refugees and asylum seekers, according to the announcement shared following its election to chair the 78th session, underscoring the scale of the country’s refugee-hosting responsibilities.