Ethiopia currently hosts over 1 million refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. Following the Sudan conflict outbreak in April 2023, over 60,000 additional individuals have sought refuge in Ethiopia. The government continues to uphold its international commitments to refugee rights, facilitating access to employment and essential services while coordinating efforts with UNHCR to effectively manage the influx and support both refugees and host communities.
Ethiopia maintains an open-door policy for refugees and asylum-seekers, currently accommodating over 1 million individuals predominantly from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. Amidst the conflict in Sudan since April 2023, over 60,000 individuals have sought refuge in Ethiopia by August 2024, entering through various points such as Metema and Kurmuk. The ongoing refugee situation necessitates support for 224,000 individuals projected in the 2024 Refugee Response Plan, including refugees, returnees, third-country nationals, and local communities.
The Ethiopian government is committed to fulfilling its international obligations concerning forced displacement management. Efforts include enabling refugees’ access to economic opportunities, exemplified by the enactment of work rights for refugees and the introduction of identification documents to facilitate service access. However, barriers, such as limited capital, hinder many refugees from starting businesses, even though they possess the legal right to do so.
Sudanese asylum-seekers receive prima facie refugee status, while other asylum-seekers are assessed individually under Ethiopia’s Refugees Proclamation No. 1110/2019. The Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), in collaboration with UNHCR, processes refugee entry and ensures ongoing registration efforts. The RRS has also established guidelines for asylum access for individuals fleeing Sudan, enhancing the registration process to address the current refugee influx.
The Ethiopian government’s approach aligns with commitments made at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum, implementing a settlement strategy for incoming refugees. A cohesive response involves facilitating relocations from reception centers to new settlement areas, ensuring refugees are included within national systems and services. This initiative is spearheaded by regional authorities and UNHCR, focusing on integrated settlements that grant refugees equal access to services alongside host communities.
Ethiopia’s proactive stance in refugee management is evident in its provision for over 1 million refugees, mainly from neighboring conflict zones. The recent conflict in Sudan has exacerbated the need for effective refugee response mechanisms, with thousands seeking safety in Ethiopia. The government’s strategies reflect its commitment to addressing forced displacement while fostering socio-economic inclusion for refugees through legal frameworks and service accessibility. This context is vital for understanding Ethiopia’s efforts to manage the increasing number of refugees and the associated needs of host communities.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s refugee management approach exemplifies its commitment to international obligations while addressing the challenges stemming from the Sudanese conflict. The expansion of economic opportunities and integration into national programs reflects a forward-thinking strategy for refugee inclusion. Continued collaboration between the government, UNHCR, and local partners is essential to facilitate the effective settlement and support of newly arrived refugees, ensuring both refugees and host communities benefit from shared resources and services.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
