Somalia president calls for Greater Refugee Assistance at AU summit

ADDIS ABABA - In his address at the 32nd Session of the Assembly of Heads of States and Governments of the African Union, the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo raised the timely need for progressive refugee laws and policies across the continent.

"Even as we seek durable solutions to forced displacement in Africa, we should equally advocate for progressive refugee policies and laws across the continent"

The President called for reforms to grant the refugees the freedom of movement, right to own land, seek employment, get access to education and health services and all the necessary documents and permits to allow refugees to develop themselves.

The President outlined his administration's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable groups; refugees, returnees and the internally displaced.

"Our National Development Plan specifically addresses the needs of the vulnerable groups in our society including Refugees, IDP's and Returnees through a dedicated chapter on resilience."

"Over the last two years, we have worked with diverse partners on articulating our National Action Plan on durable solutions for these groups in line with regional, continental and global commitments"

President Farmajo thanked the African countries that host Somali refugees.

The AU summit this year is under the theme; "Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons in Africa."

The president urged African leaders to take initiatives to accommodate vulnerable African wherever they are and commit to remedy the causes of displacement.

GAROWE ONLINE