Monique Ekoko

Always exciting to know what awaits us at the Global Refugee Forum in Dec. 2023. A meeting organised for all related stakeholders @JHGCentre by SAMCO provided effective direction. Thanks to MCs @JasonGoliath & @NicolasGoliath, and to @Talinates for offering a befitting venue.

A day well spent with Hon Minister Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs, and Adv Raphesu, Chairperson, Refugee Appeals Authority of South Africa, discussing concrete ways of addressing the backlog of asylum appeals. Thank you Minister for a very action-oriented meeting.

@ONU_Comores @unhcrsafrica @IOM_Madagascar @ILOAntananarivo @_AfricanUnion @fbatalingaya @Coffi_Agossou @UN_SDG @Beit_Salam Always an honor for the UN to have a listening ear at the top, as we met with President Azali Assoumani of the Union of Comoros during which issues relating to migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, employment, and of course our support to government were discussed.

A delegation of @unhcrsafrica, @IOM_Madagascar and @ILOAntananarivo led by the Resident Coordinator François Batalingaya met this morning #Comoros Head of State and @_AfricanUnion Chairperson H.E Azali Assoumani. @fbatalingaya @Coffi_Agossou @MoniqueEkoko @UN_SDG

Mixed movements of persons across the Indian Ocean Islands merits greater visibility due to the perils in place. Today's fruitful meeting with the Resident Coordinator, UNHCR, and the Comorian Minister of Interior, Mr. Mahamoud, discussed challenges, and possible solutions.

Finally met with Turkish Ambassador H.E.Asegui Kandas to extend our condolences for the unfortunate loss of lives and displacements from the earthquakes. The presence of the campers in front of both our office premises, remains a matter of great concern that needs urgent action.

Another good day spent at the UNHCR offices with H.E Julio Fiol, Ambassador of Chile. We discussed durable solutions and livelihood opportunities for refugees, and some possible support areas from his Embassy. . Very positive feedback. Thank you Ambassador for the visit.

A real honor meeting with Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs. We had fruitful discussions on many aspects of asylum and refugee management in SA. We exchanged proposals on our ongoing collaboration in strengthening the refugee protection framework. A day well spent.

A real honor to receive Mark Hetfield, President/CEO of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS),and his team in Pretoria. Thanking HIAS for the fruitful discussions on collaboration, and possible areas of support to refugees in South Africa. A very timely visit.

@beckyadda @LAZARUSCHAKWERA @nancygtembo @UNMalawi So proud to see you back in Malawi in a well-deserved capacity as Resident Coordinator to do what you do best.

Humbled and honoured by the warm welcome of H. E. @LAZARUSCHAKWERA President of the Republic of Malawi and Hon. Foreign Minister @nancygtembo as I formally assume my role as UN Resident Coordinator in #Malawi today. Together for MW2063 and SDGs @UNMalawi #4People&Planet

@nmuffuh @unhcrsafrica @UNinSouthAfrica @UNHCRSouthernAF Time well spent with the team briefing our New RC Nelson Muffuh at the UNHCR premises. Thanks Nelson for your interest in our work and your commitment to leave no one behind including asylum seekers and refugees through working with a UN Country Team that delivers as one.

.@UNHCRsAFRICA is working with the rest of the @UNinSouthAfrica Country Team to reinforce the protection, inclusion & resilience of vulnerable & displaced groups including refugees. Thanks to @MoniqueEkoko & team for the welcome and discussions. #LeaveNoOneBehind

@nmuffuh Dear Nelson, A well deserved appointment. Looking forward to working with you in South Africa.

A very inspiring afternoon spent with the Minister of labour and Home Affairs, Honorable Mokgethi talking on addressing and preventing Statelessness, and exploring alternatives to detention in Botswana. What a blend of brilliant ideas and proposals. Thank you Minister

@DIRCO_ZA @alvinbotes Special meeting with deputy Minister Botes. Appreciated his sense of humor, his knowledge on refugee matters and his willingness to collaborate, and support our work. Thank you deputy Minister and Team for a very fruitful meeting.

Today, Thursday, 10 November 2022. Deputy Minister @alvinbotes receives credentials from Ms Monique Ekoko newly appointed Country Representative of the South Africa Multi-Country Office (#SAMCO) of #UNHCR based in Pretoria.

Today with the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu during the launch of the "Disrupting Harm in South Africa" report. No child will be spared by perpetrators from online sexual exploitation and abuse including refugee children. We must protect them.

With just two years to go to the end of the #IBelong Campaign to end Statelessness, the race against time is on for us at the UNHCR multi-country office in Pretoria.Discussions with Parliamentarians in Madagascar on the reform of their nationality laws is a priority.

The UN Country Team in South Africa has just concluded a fruitful meeting with the UN-HABITAT Executive Director Ms. Maimunah Sharif. UN-HABITAT and UNHCR patnership in upholding the rights of refugees and IDPs greatly acknowledged and encouraged by ED.

As the requests for voluntary repatriation from Burundians in South Africa continue to increase, I had a very fruitful meeting with Ambassador @alexisbukuru78 to discuss how to improve processes so that people can return home more easily.

I am delighted to take up my new position as Representative in South Africa, covering Namibia, Botswana, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, eSwatini & Lesotho. I look forward to working with governments & partners to help refugees & stateless people in all 9 countries.