Refugees stranded, migrants’ boats capsized and refugees in limbo are some of the phrases that dominate the headlines of international media in their report on the plight of refugees and the increasing humanitarian crisis unfolding throughout the planet. From fleeing conflict to searching for a better life, refugees make a dangerous journey to countries that they believe will give them a rosier future or safe haven.
And, as the world struggles to cope up with the influx of migrants, some countries even the richest ones have been closing their borders and coming up with draconian laws to discourage migration. The crisis has grave repercussions in the host countries; sometimes refugees can bring lofty opportunities as well. And, the international community has a legal and moral onus to protect the communities. The anti-immigrant sentiment and xenophobic attacks have been on the rise as leaders of countries fail to do enough to curb the problem.
The refugee crisis has become a global problem requiring global intervention. The situation in the Horn of Africa is even worse as the region continues to go through conflicts and natural disasters. These factors led to massive displacement of people creating large refugee populations. With limited resources to avail, the region has been largely dependent on international hand notes to cope with the crisis.
However, the problems have also a good side of a story to tell. Countries like Ethiopia have been trying to rekindle the hopes of refugees through provision of better social services. Despite its piles of internal mayhems, Ethiopia has always been at its disposal to accord a warm welcome to refugees seeking refuge in the country. In fact, Ethiopia’s hospitality and refugee-friendly culture harkens back to centuries ago before legal frameworks were adopted by the international community to protect the rights of the communities.
Since time immemorial, Ethiopia has been considered a safe haven for migrants who wish a shelter and to escape persecution elsewhere. This peculiar characteristic and deeds of Ethiopians were even recognized in the religious teachings. Welcoming refugees is in the DNA of Ethiopians and it is tradition not fashion for Ethiopians to accord a warm welcome to outsiders.
Being one of the largest refugee-hosting nations, Ethiopia has been leading global efforts to the protection of refugees. It has also set an example in joining global commitments such as the African Union (AU) Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa, known as the Kampala Convention. The country was also one of the first nations to implement the Global Compact on Refugees through the complete refugee response framework, and the issuance of Refugee Proclamation No. 1110/2019.
As the Horn of Africa region continues to experience persistent conflicts and instabilities, the refugee crisis is reaching a fever pitch. The internal conflicts sometimes stocked by external entities have already increased the number of displaced people at an alarming rate creating a serious humanitarian crisis.
In addition to recurring conflicts emerging in other countries in the region, conflict has rocked Sudan, creating havoc in an already unstable place. In fact, from terrorism to proxy war, the region is grappling with man-made and natural conflicts creating high mobility of people to neighboring countries. And, Ethiopia is sheltering large refugee population. It has already built makeshift and refugee camps in different parts of the country.
Currently, the country is hosting close to one million refugees of different nationalities. The refugees enjoy different rights and have been expressing their appreciation to the people and government of Ethiopia. The international community has praised the country for its multifaceted efforts to safeguard and assist refugees.
Sudanese refugees, who entered Ethiopia fleeing the conflict in their country, said the respect and love demonstrated by the people of Ethiopia ‘have made us consider Ethiopia as our second home.’ The conflict in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee to neighboring countries, including Ethiopia. Following the conflict, many Sudanese refugees have entered Amhara, Benishangul Gumz, and Gambella regions through multiple border crossing points.
Among those, some10,000 have entered the Benishangul Gumuz region and are sheltered in Bambis, Tsore and Sherkole camps in the Benishangul Gumuz region. Abursul Abdulahi is one of the refugees sheltered in Kumruk temporary camp with his two children. He told ENA that, he is happy with the hospitality given to him by the government and the people of Ethiopia.
The other refugee from the Omdurman Saleh neighborhood in Khartoum, Muktar Ali said his stay in Ethiopia is good as he found his family safe and sheltered in the Kumruk temporary camp. The respect and love shown by Ethiopians have made us consider Ethiopia as our second home.
“I came here to meet my family at the border; and now Alhamdulillah I have met my family safely. I feel safe and feel Ethiopia is my second home. Everyone respects us.” According to Muktar, the refugees have been receiving food and other basic provisions 3 times a day, in addition to medical services.
Some 10,000 Sudanese refugees who entered Ethiopia over the past months through the Benishangul Gumuz region have been provided with the necessary support and care, the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service disclosed.
Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service Assosa Branch Head, Yassin Ashenafi told ENA that, over the past few months, 10,000 refugees have crossed over to Ethiopia fleeing the conflict in Sudan. The refugees are now sheltered in Kumruk and other temporary camps located on the border districts of Assosa Zone, receiving food, medical service and clothing, among other things, he added.
The support is being extended to the refugees in collaboration with UNHCR and other partners as per the international refugee convention, Yassin stated. The support and hospitality being rendered by the host community and government institutions in the areas would strengthen the long-standing relationship between the people of the two countries.
Noting that the refugees are expressing their readiness to go back to their country once Sudan becomes stable, the head said the Ethiopian Refugees and Returnees Service has been carrying out efforts to expand the support by facilitating additional shelters.
“There are conventions ratified by Ethiopia. (And) we are working according to these conventions,” he added. In total, 90,000 Sudanese refugees are sheltered in Bambis, Tsore, and Sherkole camps in Benishangul Gumuz region.
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 15 AUGUST 2023
