Recurrent conflicts and natural menaces have been making the IGAD region an epicenter of the refugee crisis. Millions of people have been displaced and livelihoods have been destroyed. There is also a higher rate of interstate migration creating a dire humanitarian situation in the region. Prolonged droughts and conflicts have resulted in the exodus of millions of people making it hard for the international community to meet the burgeoning need for humanitarian assistance.
With regional countries going through unrest and communal conflicts, this year also saw a high rate of interstate migration. And, with international support remaining far from enough, countries like Ethiopia that serve as a refuge for the displaced and persecuted are increasingly finding it hard to cope with the massive influx of refugees crossing their borders. Yet, Ethiopia continues to lead regional efforts in hosting over one million refugees who fled and extending refugee-friendly services. Known for its decent treatment of refugees, the country also continues to lead by example in taking concrete actions to support refugees. The country is the third African country to host refugee students following Uganda and Sudan. South Sudanese, Somalis, and Eritrean students take the largest number of refugee students in Ethiopia.
Refugees do enjoy similar rights in the country. Over the years, the country whose name bubbled up in various sacred books for its good gesture towards outsiders entered international agreements and nationally legislated refuge-friendly laws that contribute to the decent treatment of refugees. It is no exaggeration that since time immemorial Ethiopia has been a safe haven to refugees fleeing persecution.
Separately and collectively, the country has been implementing various projects in an effort to create jobs for refugees. And, this longtime commitment and practice have earned the country a good reputation worldwide. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have at various times hailed the nation for not only opening the door but also extending human treatment to the community. And, refugees mostly flock to the nation in need of protection. And, the diverse nature of the refugees speaks volumes about Ethiopia’s welcoming gesture towards refugees. The country has taken a Comprehensive Plan of Action that grants refugees to learn and work with freedom. As per of the effort, more than 168,000 refugee students are attending school in the country.
In total, 168,269 refugees are attending formal education in 65 preschools, 53 primary and 11 secondary schools. In addition, some public schools nearby in refugee camps are also delivering services. Public universities are also receiving and providing scholarships to refugees without any special requirement and any refugee who has a passing mark in the university entrance exam is also being treated equally.
Refugees Affair Senior Communication Officer Englize Ketema (Ph.D.) said that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with aid organizations is providing education services to refugees. Children near refugee camps are also learning with the refugees.
In spite of Ethiopia’s efforts, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) recently announced that about 4.5 million refugees require international support. With the number on the rise, the crisis in the region requires a comprehensive refugee response framework and vital intervention. Besides scaling up Ethiopia’s experience somewhere else to give a better future for refugees, international community ought to support Ethiopia’s endeavor to in this regard.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2023
