IOM Welcomes the Signing of Migration Data-Sharing Memorandum of Understanding and Protocol by the Ethiopian Statistical Service and Government Agencies Working on Migration
Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) – A significant milestone in migration management has been achieved as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) praises the Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) and thirteen governmental institutions involved in migration data generation for their recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and data-sharing protocol on January 15. This foundational step underscores Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to fortifying migration data collaboration, which is essential for informed decision-making.
Key Institutions Involved
The MoU brings together a diverse array of stakeholders dedicated to improving migration data in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Statistical Service, in partnership with other key governmental bodies such as the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and several others, has formalized this important agreement. This collaboration heralds a new era of coordinated efforts among various sectors, aimed at better managing migration challenges.
Enhancing Data Quality and Accessibility
One of the primary objectives of the MoU is to enhance the quality, accessibility, reliability, and timeliness of migration-related data. By fostering a robust data-sharing framework, this agreement aims to inform migration-related policies and streamline coordinated planning and targeted interventions not just in Ethiopia, but potentially beyond its borders. The implications of this data-enhanced approach are profound—it provides a stronger basis for understanding migration dynamics, enabling more effective responses to both opportunities and challenges.
Insights from Ethiopian Authorities
Dr. Beker Shale, Director General of the Ethiopian Statistics Service, highlighted the collaborative spirit in developing the MoU. “Different institutions have taken part in developing this comprehensive MoU. Lessons from various countries were also considered during this process,” he noted. His remarks underscored the coordinated efforts spearheaded by the Ministry of Justice through the National Partnership Coalition, as well as the integral role of exposure visits to other countries, notably Nigeria, organized by the IOM.
Recognition from IOM
The significance of this landmark agreement was emphasized by Ms. Abibatou Wane, IOM Ethiopia’s Chief of Mission. She described the signing ceremony as a crucial stepping stone for enhancing migration governance and upholding human rights for migrants. “The commitment set forth in this MoU is essential for improving migration governance and promoting the rights of migrants through strengthened migration coordination mechanisms and data management systems,” Ms. Wane stated, reflecting the importance of this initiative.
Building on Previous Efforts
This agreement builds on a framework initiated in 2021 when the ESS-led Technical Working Group on migration information management was launched. The partnership with IOM through the National Partnership Coalition platform has led to significant advancements in migration data management. Noteworthy achievements include the release of Ethiopia’s first comprehensive nationwide labor force and migration survey report, which serves as a crucial resource for informing the National Migration Policy and guiding partner interventions.
Establishing a Dedicated Migration Statistics Unit
In addition to the MoU, the ESS has also taken proactive measures to fortify its data management capacity by establishing a dedicated migration statistics unit. This initiative, supported by IOM and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, aims to streamline data collection and analysis, ensuring that policymakers have the necessary tools to address migration-related challenges effectively.
For more information, the IOM Ethiopia Media and Communications Unit is available for inquiries at ethiopiapsucommunications@iom.int. The strengthened data-sharing protocols and multi-agency collaboration represent a promising development for not just Ethiopia, but for comprehensive migration governance across the region.
