Country: Ethiopia Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – July 17, 2026 – Today, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the Government of Japan, the African Union Commission and partners launched a new Multi-Purpose Hub in Addis Ababa to provide protection, counselling, trusted information, referrals and essential services for refugees, asylum-seekers, and other people at risk. The launch was attended by His Excellency Ambassador Noboru Sekiguchi, Ambassador of Japan to the African Union, Dr. Sabelo Mbokazi, Head of Labour, Employment and Migration, Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development from the African Union Commission, Mr. Shambel Feyissa, Programme officer at RRS and by Ms. Aissatou M. Ndiaye, UNHCR Country Representative. The Hub, located at the Addis Ababa-Jesuit Refugee Service Centre in Kirkos, brings together partners in one location to strengthen coordinated, route-based support for people on the move. It has been made possible through the generous support of the People of Japan. The establishment of this physical space will provide a trusted point of access for refugees, asylum seekers, and other people on the move along major mixed-movement routes towards the Mediterranean and Europe, the Gulf and Southern Africa. Through the provision of information, counselling, protection screening and referrals, the Hub will enable individuals to make informed decisions about their options and better understand the risks associated with irregular movement. By engaging individuals at an early stage, the Hub will help reduce exposure to protection risks, including trafficking, smuggling, exploitation, violence, and abuse, while facilitating access to assistance, protection services as well as safer alternatives such as education, labour and family reunification pathways. “Japan is pleased to support this important initiative, which strengthens protection and access to services for people facing difficult choices and risks, ” said His Excellency Ambassador Noboru Sekiguchi, Ambassador of Japan to the African Union. “The Hub reflects the value of coordinated action and practical support for refugees, migrants and host communities. ” Services available through the Hub include protection counselling and referrals; support for child protection, gender-based violence response and mental health and psychosocial support; free legal aid and counselling; information on the risks of irregular movement; guidance on safe and regular pathways, voluntary return options; livelihood support, including skills and vocational training; and youth engagement and recreational activities. “This Multi-Purpose Hub represents our shared commitment to ensuring that every person on the move can access protection, reliable information, dignity and hope, ” said Ms. Aissatou M. Ndiaye, UNHCR Representative to Ethiopia. “Above all, this Hub is about restoring dignity, empowering people to make informed decisions and ensuring that protection, assistance and solutions reach people where they are – before they become exposed to greater risks. ”
Ethiopia: UNHCR and partners launch Multi-Purpose Hub in Addis Ababa to expand protection, information, and access to services for people on the move
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