Ethiopia, a country renowned for its rich history and diverse culture, has been garnering international attention for its commendable humanitarian efforts in hosting refugees from various nations. According to the UN Refugee Agency, Ethiopia is currently home to more than over 1 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting nations in Africa. The majority of these displaced individuals originate from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea.
The country’s open-door policy towards refugees has received widespread praise from international organisations and world leaders. The government has implemented progressive refugee laws that grant refugees access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Moreover, Ethiopia has been commended for its efforts in promoting peaceful coexistence between refugees and host communities, fostering an environment of tolerance and acceptance.
Ethiopia has been a preferred destination for refugees from countries like Yemen, who seek safety and stability. Refugees from Yemen have found sanctuary in Ethiopia’s capital, where they are employed in various sectors such as bars, restaurants, and fast-food establishments. The refugee-friendly policies and the hospitality of the Ethiopian people have made Ethiopia an attractive and safe haven for refugees.
Ethiopia has a long-standing history of hosting refugees and maintains an open-door policy that allows humanitarian access and protection to those seeking asylum on its territory. In 2004, Ethiopia enacted a national Refugee Proclamation based on international and regional refugee conventions, including the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1969 OAU Convention.
Earlier last year, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union lauded Ethiopia’s refugee-friendly policies during the closing ceremony of a five-year project implemented in the Horn of Africa since 2017. The country’s endeavours to repatriate migrants and improve legal rights and protections for those seeking employment opportunities have been acknowledged by the European bloc and the international community.
Among the notable refugee populations in Ethiopia are the South Sudanese refugees who have fled violence and conflict in their home country. The Ethiopian government, in collaboration with humanitarian organisations, has tirelessly assisted these refugees, including vital provisions such as food aid, shelter, and medical care.
In addition to hosting South Sudanese refugees, Ethiopia accommodates refugees from Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and other countries in the region. Despite grappling with challenges such as limited resources and overcrowded refugee camps, Ethiopia continues to embrace those fleeing persecution and violence with open arms.
Refugees from different nations have been flocking to Ethiopia mainly because of the hospitality of the Ethiopian people and the refugee-friendly policy of the country. In addition to giving sanctuary to citizens of neighbouring countries, the country is also sheltering Syrian and Yemeni refugees. Like Ethiopia, countries in the region also host refugees from the countries. The crisis has worsened lately due to the renewed fighting in Sudan. Ethiopia’s hand for Sudanese refugees is also remaining open arms.
The commitment and efforts of Ethiopia in hosting Sudanese refugees have recently been commended by U.S. Population and Refugee Bureau Assistant Secretary, Julieta Valls Noyes.
A week after her official visit to Ethiopia and Chad, Noyes issued a webinar press briefing emphasising the essential roles played by both countries in the Sudan response and broader humanitarian efforts. Ethiopia has welcomed nearly 50,000 refugees from Sudan since early 2023, demonstrating its critical support for displaced populations in the Horn of Africa amidst great instability, she said.
Assistant Secretary Noyes acknowledged the Ethiopian government’s close collaboration with humanitarian actors to establish new refugee sites and provide life-saving aid to tens of thousands of newly arrived refugees. The support extended by Ethiopia to Sudanese refugees fleeing violence in their country is invaluable.
“The United States expresses profound gratitude to the governments and people of Ethiopia and Chad for their leadership in welcoming refugees escaping violence in Sudan and beyond,” said Assistant Secretary Noyes. Addressing the Sudan emergency necessitates a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access, and the United States remains committed to working with Ethiopia, Chad, and international partners to provide life-saving support to the millions affected by the devastating conflict in Sudan.
According to Assistant Secretary Noyes Ethiopia and Chad have consistently exhibited tremendous generosity in receiving and supporting refugees for an extended period. While the responses may differ, both countries face unique situations. Ethiopia has been hosting refugees from various countries, including Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria. Currently, Ethiopia accommodates approximately 1 million refugees and 4 million internally displaced persons. Ethiopia possesses greater resources of its own, enabling it to dedicate efforts to address these pressing challenges. Ethiopia has refugees from I believe 27 other countries currently living in Ethiopia, she added.
During Assistant Secretary Noyes’ visit, she engaged in extensive discussions with Ethiopian officials, primarily focused on the Sudan response. However, they also addressed the United States’ ongoing role as the largest humanitarian assistance donor in Ethiopia, providing over a billion dollars in the previous fiscal year and nearly 89 million U.S. dollars to date this fiscal year. This support encompasses life-saving aid for refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced people, stateless individuals, and others affected by conflict, drought, and food instability, she said.
While Ethiopia faces the issue of internally displaced persons, including those from the Amhara and Oromo regions, it remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations. The United States reaffirms its support for Ethiopia’s humanitarian needs through the funding provided, reinforcing its dedication to alleviating the plight of all vulnerable individuals, Noyes said.
Ethiopia continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to providing refuge and support to those in need. Recent events, such as Addis Ababa residing refugees from different countries taking part in an Iftar dinner with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during Ramadan at the Grand Palace, showcase the country’s hospitality and compassion. Despite internal unrest, Ethiopia’s determination to host many refugees is commendable and sets an inspiring example for countries worldwide, showcasing the power of compassion and solidarity in times of crisis.
BY EYUEL KIFLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 28 MARCH 2024
