Geneva: Ethiopia’s longstanding commitment to refugee protection and humanitarian leadership was prominently recognized during the closing session of the 76th meeting of the UNHCR Executive Committee in Geneva. Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, was elected First Vice Chairperson of the Bureau of the Executive Committee of the UNHCR, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s contributions to global refugee response efforts.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ambassador Tsegab was nominated by the African Group and seconded by Norway, reflecting broad regional and international support. The Bureau Chairmanship will be assumed by Ambassador Oike Atsuyuki of Japan. During the last year, Ambassador Tsegab served as Second Vice Chairperson. Following ExCom tradition, the Chairmanship rotates from Second Vice-Chair to First Vice-Chair before the assumption of Chairmanship to ensure continuity and balanced representation.

In their statements, the African Group and Norway commended the Ambassador’s contributions to the success of the Bureau’s work in the last year and expressed confidence in his leadership, highlighting his roles in multilateral settings in Geneva, including serving as Chair of the UNDRR Support Group and Coordinator of the African Ambassadors Group on Health Issues.

Ethiopia’s key role as one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting countries, its strong commitment to protection, inclusion, and refugee rights, active participation in regional and international refugee and humanitarian initiatives, its solidarity with displaced communities, and pursuit of durable solutions to forced displacement were also highlighted. The 76th Session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, which began on October 6 in Geneva, officially concluded on October 10.