Addis Ababa: Support being provided to refugees sheltered in Ethiopia by the international aid agencies is inadequate, according to Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service.

Ethiopia currently hosts over one million refugees of various countries; Deputy Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service, Mulualem Desta told ENA urging the international community to provide the necessary basic provisions to the refugees as the issues of refugees require collective responsibilities.

He said Ethiopia has been discharging its responsibilities by receiving refugees, registering and providing them with the necessary shelters, among other vital services.

Ethiopia has also been helping the refugees by engaging them in various development activities including irrigation schemes in collaboration with the hosting communities, Mulualem added.

Furthermore, the Deputy Director General pointed out that successful refugees and host communities joint development projects are being carried out in seven camps located across
the country.

He said Ethiopia has also issued work and residence permits to more than 16,000 refugees over the past three months alone.

However, the support being provided to the refugees by the international aid agencies have currently been dwindling, he indicated.

Mulualem pointed out the pressure created due to lack of humanitarian aid citing the huge emergency relief gap being witnessed to the more than 42,000 Sudanese refugees arrived in Ethiopia through Metema and kumruk.

Hence, he urged the international aid agencies to provide sustainable support to the refugees with a view to ensuring their human rights by helping them receive basic provisions.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the foundation of their faith, on a day called Christmas.

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December every year to reassure the faithful of the bond they have with God and his immeasurable love for humanity.

Among the many activities lined up for the day include church services, picnics and parties.

In Ghana, many will attend special services in their best clothes and renewed spirit.

In Accra for instance, many will flock the beaches and places of fun after church service with family and friends to have fun.

The deeply conscious will indulge in meditation and supplication for spiritual renewal and divine favours.

Although some traditions and activities like the building of palm font tents and dolls, representing Mary, Jesus and other biblical characters associated with the virgin birth, are gradually fading, it is certainly a day on which every Ghanaian child looks forward to and every adult or parent prepares for.
Source: Ghana News Agency