30 September 2026 | Ura Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia

MCMDO Executive Director Dr. Solomon Getachew recently visited the Ura Refugee Site in Ura Woreda, Benishangul Gumuz Region, to review the achievements and outcomes of the Community Based Protection Network (CBPN) initiative.

The CBPN initiative is supported by the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), in partnership with the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and implemented by the Mothers and Children Multisectoral Development Organization (MCMDO). The initiative aims to strengthen community-based protection mechanisms, promote social cohesion, and support communities to identify and address protection risks.

The visit took place as the initiative came to an end, providing an opportunity for MCMDO leadership to reflect on the progress made, hear directly from community members, and assess the impact of the activities implemented.

Accompanied by MCMDO’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team, Dr. Solomon met with the project implementation team and CBPN committee members representing both the refugee settlement and neighbouring host communities, including representatives from the Akuda villages.

MCMDO Executive Director Dr. Solomon Getachew engages with CBPN committee members from refugee and host communities during his visit to Ura Refugee Site to review the achievements of the CBPN initiative.

Strengthening community led protection

During the visit, the team reviewed the outcomes of capacity building activities delivered through the initiative, with particular attention to community awareness and practices related to the prevention of Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

Community representatives reflected on their experiences and shared how the knowledge and skills gained through the capacity building activities have strengthened their understanding of protection risks and their ability to discuss concerns and take action within their communities.

The discussions highlighted the importance of community led approaches that equip local structures with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to safer and more inclusive environments.

MCMDO Executive Director Dr. Solomon Getachew and the project team visit a community site at Ura Refugee Site.
MCMDO Head Office team members Resom Sisay (left) and Dr. Negalign Yoseph (right) visit a community site at Ura Refugee Site during the review of the CBPN initiative.

Bringing refugee and host communities together

Representatives from both the refugee settlement and neighbouring host communities expressed their appreciation to MCMDO, DRC, and DANIDA for supporting a community centred approach to protection.

They highlighted the value of bringing refugee and host representatives together through shared protection structures, creating opportunities to discuss common concerns, strengthen relationships, and promote peaceful coexistence.

Community members also reflected on how the initiative had increased their understanding of PSEA risks and strengthened their confidence to identify and address protection concerns within their communities. They described the support as a source of greater awareness and practical knowledge, noting that bringing refugee and host communities together had helped build stronger and more peaceful relationships.

The discussions demonstrated how community based protection approaches can help communities take an active role in addressing protection concerns while strengthening trust and cooperation between refugee and host populations.

MCMDO Executive Director Dr. Solomon Getachew addresses participants during a session, highlighting MCMDO’s commitment to community led protection and inclusive humanitarian action.

Reflecting on the initiative’s impact

The visit provided an important opportunity for MCMDO leadership and the M&E team to reflect on the achievements of the CBPN initiative and the experiences of the communities involved.

As the initiative concludes, the knowledge, skills, relationships, and community structures established through the CBPN approach provide an important foundation for continued community led protection and dialogue.

MCMDO remains committed to supporting approaches that promote safety, dignity, accountability, and peaceful coexistence, while working alongside communities and partners to strengthen locally led protection mechanisms.

MCMDO extends its appreciation to DANIDA and the Danish Refugee Council, as well as the project team, CBPN committee members, and refugee and host communities whose active participation contributed to the achievements of the initiative.