SLOVENIA, November 2 - In a meeting with the Deputy Chairperson for the African Union Commission, Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Minister Fajon stressed the importance of cooperation between the African Union and the EU on the most pressing issues in Africa - peace, security, climate change and human rights. She explained that Slovenia supports the reform of the UN Security Council and a fairer representation of the African continent in the Council. She discussed the role of women in the international community with Cecile Mukarubuga, UN Women Country Representative for Ethiopia. Minister Fajon supported the work of the UN Women Ethiopia Country Office and reaffirmed Slovenia's commitment as a member of the UN Security Council to continue to pursue the women, peace and security agenda as one of Slovenia's priorities.

As part of her African tour, Minister Fajon also visited the Don Bosco Children centre in Addis Ababa, where a Slovenian lay missionary, Polona Dominik, works. The Minister was briefed on the work of the centre which rescues children from the streets every day and provides them with hygiene products, three meals a day and education. Every child who is found on the streets of Addis Ababa and agrees to come to the Don Bosco Children centre goes through an educational process - first school, then practical training for a vocation. "It is wonderful to see the great work people are doing here for these children and to hear the success stories - children who have worked hard to get an education, a vocation and then a job and a regular income," said Minister Fajon during her visit, adding: "All over the world, there are children without families, without futures, because they have no chance to build one. Many of them need help with the basic needs, shelter and education. You can see the real good will of the people here – including Polona - who give unconditionally and selflessly to help these children to have a better future, no matter how much they have to struggle with obstacles, financial difficulties and country specifics on a daily basis." The centre helps more than 100 children and young people every day, some of whom live in the centre, others who go to school every day and return to the streets in the evening.

Ethiopia is facing a deteriorating humanitarian situation due to climate change and conflict. More than 21 million people are estimated to be in need of emergency assistance, of whom 4.5 million are internally displaced. Between July and September, an estimated 10.8 million people are facing a critical food crisis due to drought.