Addis Ababa: Strengthening the coordination of efforts to prevent illegal immigration and human trafficking, which are threats to the security of nations and citizens, is essential, Deputy PM and Nat'l Council on Migration Chairperson Temesgen Tiruneh said. The National Council on Migration chaired by the deputy prime minister has conducted its annual consultative forum today. Opening the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and National Council on Migration Chairperson Temesgen Tiruneh called for strengthened collaboration to tackle irregular migration and human trafficking. Acknowledging movement of people from one place to another as a natural and constitutional right, Temesgen expressed concern about the rise of human trafficking. According to him, Ethiopia is under significant pressure concerning the issue of migration due to its unique position as an origin, transit and destination of migrants. The deputy PM and national council chairperson revealed that Ethiopia is providing protection for more than 1 mil lion migrants and asylum seekers. Yet, he expressed concern about Ethiopian migrants facing problems in other countries. He mentioned that Ethiopian migrants are becoming victims of human trafficking and illegal border-crossing by organized criminals. Noting the threat the criminal groups posed to human and national security, Temesgen noted Ethiopia is also at the receiving end of these threats. The acts of human trafficking and smuggling are causing physical and psychological harm on Ethiopian migrants, he explained. Temesgen revealed the staggering profits traffickers reap, generating billions annually from this illegal acts. Therefore, he urged for a multi-pronged approach and cooperative effort of all concerned actors to protect the human rights of migrants and safeguard the national security of the country. The deputy premier and chairperson of the national council also emphasized the need to address underlying root causes, including socio-economic and political issues, which are driving irregular migration. He stated that Ethiopia has approved international agreements and enacted national laws to establish better migration management. Moreover, the country is implementing national laws to prevent and suppress human trafficking and illegal border crossings, he added. Furthermore, he recalled the establishment of a National Council on Migration, a collaborative body composed of regions and federal institutions, to ensure a coordinated approach to migration management. Source: Ethiopian News Agency