Good Samaritan Association Marks International Migrants Day at Its Shelter

Addis Ababa, 19 December — One of the Ethiopian Network of Women Shelters (ENWS) member organizations, Good Samaritan Association (GSA), commemorated International Migrants Day today at its shelter under the theme “Honoring the Contributions of Migrants” and “Promoting Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.”

The event brought together migrants, survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), government representatives, civil society organizations, and development partners in a forum aimed at celebrating migrants’ contributions, reviewing progress made in migrant protection, and strengthening collaboration for migrant welfare.

International Migrants Day, observed annually on 18 December, highlights the vital role migrants play in social and economic development while calling attention to the need for safe, humane, and rights-based migration systems. Globally, the day emphasizes protecting migrants from exploitation, trafficking, and gender-based violence, risks that disproportionately affect women and girls.

During the event, Ms. Hirut Yibabe, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Association, underscored GSA’s commitment to capacity-building migrants and individuals affected by gender-based violence, empowering them through protection services, psychosocial support, and skills development. She emphasized that safeguarding migrants’ rights and dignity requires coordinated efforts among government institutions, civil society, and community actors.

As part of the commemoration, Good Samaritan Association (GSA) screened a short documentary video that provided informative insights on migration, highlighting key challenges and risks faced by migrants, particularly women and girls. The documentary also presented the services available for returnees and beneficiaries, including protection support, psychosocial services, shelter assistance, and reintegration support.

In addition, former beneficiaries who were migrants shared their success stories, reflecting on their migration journeys, the hardships they encountered, and how the support they received helped them rebuild their lives. Their testimonies highlighted the importance of protection services, safe migration awareness, and reintegration support in fostering dignity, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.

Government officials from the Ministry of Labor and Skills, representatives from Sub-City Women and Children Affairs Offices, and various sub-city administrations participated in the forum, sharing insights on migration governance, policy implementation, and service delivery for migrants at risk. Representatives from ENWS, including the Executive Director and staff, also participated in the event, reaffirming ENWS’s role in strengthening shelter-based responses and advocacy for migrant women and survivors of gender-based violence.

Civil society organizations working in the areas of migration, protection, and women’s rights also reflected on ongoing challenges and best practices, calling for enhanced collaboration to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways and improved access to protection services.

The event concluded with a recognition ceremony, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to migrant welfare and protection efforts, including Good Samaritan Association’s sustained work in supporting migrants and survivors of gender-based violence.

Through this commemoration, GSA and ENWS reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing migrant rights, promoting safe migration, and ensuring that no migrant especially women and girls is left behind.