Ethiopia has a long and proud tradition of providing refuge to those fleeing conflict and persecution in the region. This legacy dates back centuries, with the earliest recorded instance being during the time of the Prophet Muhammad’s flight from Mecca to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) in the 7th century CE.
Over the centuries, Ethiopia’s generosity and hospitality towards refugees has continued unabated. Today, the country hosts over 1 million refugees, mainly from neighbouring countries like South Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan, as well as refugees from the Middle East. This remarkable feat is even more impressive given Ethiopia’s own economic struggles and development challenges.
Despite having a large population living in poverty and lacking access to basic social services, Ethiopia has continued to share its limited resources with those seeking sanctuary within its borders. Refugees make up over 1% of Ethiopia’s total population, a testament to the country’s commitment to providing protection.
In recent years, Ethiopia has taken important legislative and policy steps to formalize and strengthen its refugee response. In 2004, it enacted a national Refugee Proclamation based on international and regional refugee conventions. This laid the legal foundation for the country’s open-door policy and commitment to humanitarian access and protection.
According to Global Compact on Refugees Ethiopia has been at the forefront of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), an ambitious global initiative to address refugee situations in a more comprehensive and sustainable manner. The country officially launched the CRRF in 2017 and has continued to build on this framework, most notably through the adoption of a new Refugee Proclamation in 2019 that granted refugees additional rights and opportunities.
Among Ethiopia’s key commitments under the CRRF are pledges to expand education and employment opportunities for refugees, allow them to live outside of camps, and provide access to basic social services. These measures aim to foster greater self-reliance and integration for refugee communities.
While Ethiopia’s refugee hosting efforts are widely praised, the country faces significant challenges. The lack of economic development and high youth unemployment rate create pressures on social services and resources. Additionally, pockets of internal instability in certain regions have sometimes impacted the safety and security of refugee populations.
Nevertheless, Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to providing refuge and protection to those in need remains an inspiring example of humanitarian leadership. As the global refugee crisis continues, Ethiopia’s experience and innovative approaches offer valuable lessons for the international community on how to respond with compassion and pragmatism.
According to the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the number of registered refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia currently exceeds 1.1 million.
In his stay with the Ethiopian Press Agency, RRS Deputy Director General Biruhtesfa Mulugeta said that refugees from 27 different countries are receiving protection in Ethiopia. Ninety per cent of the refugees in the country are from neighbouring countries, including a significant number from Syria and Yemen.
Biruhtesfa stated that Ethiopia will continue to accept and process refugees in accordance with the country’s laws and international agreements. Upon registration, refugees receive documentation and identification cards, and vital events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces are recorded.
After registration, refugees gain access to various basic services, including healthcare, education, shelter, food, law enforcement, and physical protection. Those permitted to live outside of camps are integrated into host communities.
In collaboration with international aid organizations, the government provides refugees with essentials such as shelter, food, water, and sanitation. Refugee health centres also serve the host communities, and refugees outside camps utilize basic services alongside Ethiopians.
Biruhtesfa noted that a large number of refugees have recently arrived in the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz regions due to the on-going crisis in neighbouring Sudan. Ethiopia is also accepting refugees from Somalia’s Boh area.
Refugees are housed in camps, with host communities, and in cities outside of camps, with permission granted for residence in Addis Ababa, Shire, and Mekelle. Camps located in conflict areas receive special security protection from federal and regional forces, he added.
According to Biruhtesfa the government is also working to create job opportunities for both refugees and host communities through partnerships with international organizations. Refugees engaged in self-employment are issued business licenses based on their work permits.
In the last fiscal year, the RRS was able to facilitate employment for more than 33,000 refugees. Additionally, the agency is working to improve infrastructure and basic services in refugee shelters, while also supporting the permanent resettlement of returning Ethiopian migrants.
Overall, Ethiopia has established itself as a safe haven for those fleeing conflict and instability in the region. The country hosts dozens of refugee camps, providing shelter and support to those in need. But Ethiopia goes beyond just hosting refugees – it also works to reintegrate and create jobs for its own citizens who have returned home.
In the capital city of Addis Ababa, the restaurant industry in particular has seen an entry of refugees finding employment. Yemeni and Syrian refugees have been increasingly joining the vibrant food scene, bringing their unique culinary skills and traditions. This not only provides income for the refugees, but also enriches the cultural diversity of the city.
Additionally, Ethiopia has become a haven for Eritrean refugees, who are able to live and work freely in the country. Many Eritreans have established businesses, integrated into local communities, and are able to engage in social activities without fear of persecution.
The recent instability in neighbouring Sudan has also led to an entry of refugees and asylum seekers into Ethiopia. As the conflict in Sudan continues, the number of refugees seeking shelter in Ethiopia is expected to grow. Ethiopia has responded by opening its arms and providing refuge to those fleeing the turmoil across the border.
Through its comprehensive approach of hosting, reintegrating, and creating economic opportunities, Ethiopia has demonstrated a commitment to supporting those in need. The country’s refugee policies and programs serve as a model for how nations can compassionately address the global refugee crisis.
It is recalled that during the Sudan conflict, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) responded to requests from 50 nations by facilitating the evacuation of their nationals. The UN praised Ethiopia for its readiness to evacuate people from Sudan. Hanna Serwaa Tettech, the UN secretary-general’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa, noted that some foreign actors were using Ethiopia for evacuations. She also commended Ethiopia for providing access to Bahir Dar and Gondar Airports for civilian evacuations and welcoming refugees.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2024
