United States - The US Association of International Migration (USAIM), IOM’s non profit partner in the United States, has received another donation of USD 50,000 from the Ethiopian diaspora. 

Since the beginning of the year, the Global Alliance for the Rights of Ethiopians in Saudi Arabia has contributed USD 112,000 through USAIM.

Tamagne Beyene, a renowned Ethiopian artist, musician, and comedian is hoping that his talent will help to promote the cause.  “It is commonly said that art unites people, so as an artist, I am hoping that my entertainment will bring more people together to make a difference in the lives of Ethiopians in need of assistance,” Beyene said.

Previous donations from the Global Alliance were used to provide assistance to over 1,300 migrants including giving shoes to migrants in need upon arrival, hospitalization for individuals with serious medical issues, and critical food assistance at the transit centers.

Much of the assistance IOM has provided has focused on immediate aid, particularly medical relief,  given the poor health condition in which many migrants arrive, some absolutely exhausted and traumatized by their experiences.

“We are delighted by the continuous generosity of the Global Alliance and the entire Ethiopian diaspora.  Their support will undeniably impact the lives of the returnees in a positive way,” said Luca Dall’Oglio, IOM Washington Chief of Mission.

IOM has provided onward transportation, temporary accommodation, medical support, food, and reinsertion to more than 150,000 returnees from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

IOM provides assistance to Ethiopian migrants who have returned to Ethiopia, as well as to those stranded in Yemen.

IOM Yemen provides humanitarian assistance to stranded African migrants, the majority of whom are Ethiopian, including health care, food, water, sanitation, hygiene, and Non-Food Items  such as clothing, blankets, and mattresses.  Additionally, IOM Yemen offers Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) based on vulnerability criteria to Ethiopian migrants.

IOM Ethiopia is conducting an assessment of the major return areas in early June to inform reintegration interventions, which are a component of larger counter trafficking and migration management initiatives.

In early June USAIM will also conduct a monitoring and site visit in Ethiopia.  Maria Moreno, USAIM officer says: “We are excited to be able to bring back stories from the ground on how our donors have made a difference and we are confident this trip will shed light onto the greatest needs of the returnees presently and in the coming months.  We are looking forward to sharing the findings with our donors so we can start gearing up for future assistance.”

Thus far, USAIM has received nearly USD 200,000 from Ethiopian diaspora organizations directed towards IOM’s assistance for Ethiopian returnees.

For more information please contact

Maria Moreno
USAIM Washington DC
Email mgmoreno@IOM.int
Tel: + 1 202 862 1826 ext. 230