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Hosting Refugees in Ethiopia

I. Introduction

The Horn of Africa is one of the most complex and conflict-ridden regions in the world.

Some countries of the Horn suffer from protracted political strife, arising from local and

national grievance, identity politics and regional inter-state rivalries. Such conflicts have

had a huge cost on the security and development of the region. The prevalence of

conflicts has caused many of the largest refugee influxes in the history of humanitarian

operation.

Ethiopia is signatory to the 1951 UN refugee convention and its 1967 protocol, and is also

a signatory to the refugee convention endorsed in 1969 by the then OAU (now AU). Due

to its location, Ethiopia cannot escape the aftermath of an instable volatile region prone to

conflict and hence continues to receive refugees from neighboring countries. Currently,

Ethiopia is one of the big refugee hosting nation in the world and the largest refugee

hosting country in Africa accommodating over 650,000 refugees mainly from South

Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and the Sudan.

The government of Ethiopia reaffirms its commitment to continue availing the necessary

protection to refugees and is dedicated to the implementation of the internationally set

refugee protection and assistance principles and other provisions as per the standards.

II. The Constitution as a Guarantor of Refugee Protection

Refugee protection and the right to asylum is nothing new to Ethiopia rather it is a

genuine and deeply rooted culture lauded by many. The country has always been

generous in granting a safe haven to people in need of refuge and protection irrespective

of their nationality, religion or race.

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During the transitional period following the fall of the Derg regime, the country continued

upholding its responsibilities of refugee protection amidst a transition to democracy and

nation building after long years of autocratic rule.

The fascist Derg , that has put the country’s development at a standstill, was finally

defeated by the democratic forces. The fall of the repressive Derg regime paved the way

for the establishment of a transitional government. The transitional government was

established on grounds of democratic values, respecting the human and democratic

rights of the peoples of Ethiopia. Consequently, the country was able to maintain peace

and stability within its borders creating an encouraging environment for socio-economic

development. The conditions that once caused displacement of its citizens now ceased to

exist and as a result democratic environment was created with the change of government.

The country’s productive youth was no longer forced to leave the country rather becoming

productive citizens able to contribute their share to the nation’s development. Its youth

benefited from the fruits of the newly established politico-economic reality.

As stipulated in the Charter of the transitional government, the country embarked on the

repatriation of its nationals dispersed throughout the region due to lack of freedom and

dictatorial rule that prevailed in Ethiopia. As a result of the peace that followed after the

demise of the military regime, and the realization of democracy and the rule of law, the

transitional government was able to facilitate the return of over 1.2 million Ethiopians who

were refugees in neighboring countries notably in Kenya, the Sudan and Djibouti. Most of

the returnees had since participated in local development endeavors initiated by the

government in their areas of return.

The first democratic constitution in the history of the nation, enacted in 1995, is hailed as

being inclusive of all democratic principles including mainly, among others, respect for

human rights and democratic values.

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The constitution respects the basic rights of both the individual and those of groups as

both rights go hand in hand and hence it heralded the opening of a new chapter in the

political development of the country. The constitution as such laid the foundation and is

the source for all the policies and strategies the country endorsed. The ratification of the

new constitution has helped to create a conducive socio-political and favorable economic

environment which led to the establishment of democratic institutions and the realization

of democratic practices.

The principle of fostering a positive “people-to-people relationship” among citizens of

neighboring countries in the region and the resultant foreign policy kept as a strategic

direction designed to bring this principle in to fruition has enabled the country to draft and

enact the Ethiopian Refugee Proclamation in 2004 (proclamation number 409/1996).

The proclamation is a result of derivatives of the various international and regional

refugee conventions, protocol and their adaption to the objective realities in the country

with a strong commitment to safe reception, peaceful coexistence based on mutual

respect as well as dignified return when conditions in countries of origin permit

The provisions of the refugee proclamation mainly promote the people to people relations

between refugees, hosting communities and peoples of neighboring countries. The

Refugee Proclamation, among other things, paved the way for:

- Ethiopia to open its borders to people coming in search of asylum

- Providing land for camp establishment free of charge despite the environmental

pressure as well as the damage it creates on the local infrastructures such as the

roads and the like.

- Guaranteeing the physical safety and protection of refugees

- Facilitating the voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries in safety and

dignity

- An increased refugee assistance in collaboration with UN agencies that helped

avail basic services such as food, shelter, water, education and health services

among others.

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Newly  arriving  asylum-­‐seekers  from  Eritrea  being  registered    at  Endabaguna  registration  center.    

South  Sudanese  refugees  collect  their  monthly  rations  which  include  wheat,  grains,  oil,  sugar,  salt  and  soap.  

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III. Contemporary Practices of Hosting Refugees in Ethiopia Ethiopia has maintained a constructive and cooperative relationship with the rest of its

neighbors. Its open-door policy has made it easy for asylum seekers to access its territory

and enjoy the full rights of asylum. The protection of refugees is being implemented in

accordance with the provisions put in the refugee proclamation.

The Foreign and National Security Policy and Strategy is the fruit of the constitution.

Unlike previous policies that disregarded internal problems, the current policy looks from

inside focused on major and effective in-country efforts to realize our vision of

development and democratization. It is centered around development that benefits the

people and creating conducive situation for such development. The relevance of the

policy revolves around its contribution to the reduction of poverty. The policy is aimed at

strengthening people to people relations of the peoples of Ethiopia and its neighbors.

Avoiding the long existing mistrust among the peoples of the region is the major tenet of

the policy. Most importantly, it emphasizes on the importance of our refugee handling in

terms of strengthening the people to people relations. Our foreign policy direction is,

therefore, moving from the internal to what is external, doing our homework first, thereby

enabling us to identify our shortcomings.

The legal frameworks and provisions are available for the government to be able to avail

land and establish refugee camps in consultation and cooperation with regional states.

Accordingly, the government has been able to allocate suitable plots of land for the

establishment of refugee camps despite the pressure the presence of a large number of

refugees puts on the environment. More so in parts of the country such as Tigray region

where land is scarce and the environment is fragile. In close coordination with

international aid agencies and local partners, the government ensures that all the

necessary services are put in place in the camps including basic social services like food,

water, shelter, health and sanitation, and education.

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Among others, the policy has further enabled the country to come out of the traditional

and conventional practice of assisting refugees with the basic necessities of life. The

services being delivered to refugees in Ethiopia has now taken an innovative and new

dimension. In light of the prevailing favorable policy document, it is witnessed; refugees in

Ethiopia are at present capable of enjoying the freedom to reside out of camps wherever

they want.

In conflict ridden countries such as the Horn of Africa where young people have limited or

no access to continue education in higher learning institutions, refugees at present enjoy

scholarships at government owned universities. Furthermore, refugees are also enabled

to attend certified vocational skills training institutions to help them gain marketable and

productive skills that enable them make a living while in the country and/or upon return

home.

Such special provisions emanate from the policy of the government aimed at

strengthening people-to-people relations as stipulated in the country’s foreign policy and

security strategies.

1. Warm Hospitality of Hosting Communities

Unlike previous foreign policies of past governments, which were founded on ‘siege

mentality’, the current policy of the government of Ethiopia has eliminated the mis-trust

and rivalry among neighboring countries paving the way for mutual development. The

change in the rules of our engagement with the people of our neighbors has been one of

mutual respect and benefit. This goes along our long established tradition of receiving

refugees and the policy has added a new impetus to this adorable tradition.

Sharing the meager resources from what we have, the people and government of

Ethiopia have always been generous in hosting refugees. To begin with, refugees are not

just welcomed at the border but they are supported and escorted to a place of safety until

they reach refugee camps. Asylum seekers are often received with warm welcome upon

arrival at crossing points by the local community.

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It is common to see the hosting communities help the weak and sick, give them meals,

and provide them place to rest until they are safely transferred to refugee camps.

Members of the Ethiopian defense forces as well as communities living at border areas

have always welcomed refugees and shared the little they have with them. This is

particularly true of the situation in welcoming and hosting Eritrean asylum-seekers. In

spite of the standing policy of the Eritrean Government of ‘shoot to kill’ asylum seekers

crossing the border, many still continue coming to Ethiopia. This is due to the

extraordinary hospitality and assistance Ethiopians have extended to Eritrean asylum

seekers as communicated to them by refugees already in the camps.

 A   cultural   dance   group   of   Somali   refugees   performing  during   world   refugee   day   celebrations   in   Sheder   refugee  camp.    

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2. Stronger ties between the Host and Refugee Communities

Once in the refugee camps, efforts are made to make refugees feel at home. For

example, there are many forums for the hosting communities and refugees to

interact. Religious and traditional festivities are one of such forums that are meant

to enhance such productive interaction. It is not uncommon to see refugees and

hosting communities celebrate religious festivals and national holidays together.

This emanates from considering one another’s celebrations as their own- the result

of living amicably for longer periods.

Somali  refugee  youth  playing  a  friendly  football  match  with  the  host  community  in  Sheder  refugee  camp.    

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Moreover, discussion forums on environmental protection activities, sports and cultural

activities are among the few opportunities strengthening refugee-host community

relations. Refugees have developed a sense of belongingness and a commitment to

conserving the natural environment they live in. They have also understood that their

safety and physical security depends on their active role and to this effect, refugees have

long been vital players in the administration of refugee camps and the delivery of basic

and social services. Such engagement has led to the development of a much stronger

culture of working together for a common good, strengthening the people to people

relations to high levels. It is important to note that the commitment demonstrated by the

hosting communities in receiving refugees has greatly contributed to the enhancement of

mutual trust between the refugees and the hosting communities, which therefore is an

illustration of strong people to people relations.

Eritrean   refugees   and   members   of   hosting   the   community   happily  entertain   themselves   as   they   perform   traditional   dances   at   a   music  concert  organized  at  a  community  level.  

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3. Easing Refugee Lives – the Out- of- Camp Scheme

Refugees while living in the country are encouraged to be productive. This requires the

government’s willingness to initiate a scheme which improves the lives of refugees.

Among such initiatives, “the out of camp scheme” has been hailed as a very important

program for refugees not only to move freely across the country but also to utilize their

potential and improve their lives while in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia has introduced an “out-of- camp scheme” in 2010. The “out-of camp” scheme

has eased limitations to refugee’s movements allowing them to stay out of designated

refugee camps and live in cities and other places across the country. The scheme has

enabled Eritrean refugees to reunite with their family members and relatives living in

Ethiopia, paving the way for a stronger relation between the peoples of Ethiopia and

Eritrea. As the UN High Commissioner for refugees, Mr. António Guterres, highlighted in

his opening statement at the 63rd session the EXCOM meeting in Geneva on 1st October

Members  of  the  refugee  circus  team  showing  acrobatics  during  an  awareness  raising  campaign  in  Pugnido  refugee  camp.  

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2012 the “ new out of camp scheme for Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia is also a promise to

facilitate greater self reliance.” Living out of camps enables refugees to pursue their

education, engage in gainful employment and ultimately lead a much more productive life.

4. Higher Learning Opportunities

As most of the refugees were either denied access or didn’t have the opportunity to go to

schools or college while in their countries, the policy has allowed refugees to enroll in

Ethiopian institutions of higher learning, enabling them to gain skills and knowledge. Free

university scholarships provided by the Ethiopian government have enabled many to

pursue a dream they have long sought. The government also facilitates the provision of

skills and vocational training to refugees.

Hundreds  of  refugees  benefited  from  the  government  sponsored  free  scholarships.  Here  a  group  of  Eritrean  refugees  are  seen  entering  into  

their  campus  before  a  new  semester  commences.  

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Due to prolonged conflicts in countries where refugees came from such as South Sudan

and Somalia, infrastructures such as schools have been destroyed, limiting the citizenry’s

access to education. In Eritrea opportunities for tertiary education are very much limited

and the youth spend most of their productive years in the government open-ended and

often forced military service. Ethiopia, in spite of its limited resources, has committed itself

to provide refugees with educational opportunities-up to university level- that were denied

to them by their own governments. This is evident in the hundreds of scholarships that

are provided to refugees each year, enabling them to enroll in first degree programs and,

some in post graduate studies.

A  group  of  Eritrean  graduates  from  Mekelle  University.  

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After graduation, quite a significant number of refugees were able to set up their own

businesses in the refugee camps. Some make an earning to themselves and their

families through employment in the informal sector. The knowledge and skills they gain in

the Ethiopian universities and colleges will help them to rebuild their lives when they

eventually return home.

Refugee  from  South  Sudan  attend  classes  at  a  primary  school  in  Pugnido  camp  in  Gambella  region.  

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5. Accelerated Asylum Process

Facilitated asylum process has been a key aspect of our refugee registration process.

Getting a legitimate recognized refugee status is often easily accessible. Only few hours

are elapsed before any asylum-seeker appears before a registration center and get

registered. Asylum-seekers have access to a quick registration. We, therefore, continued

to increase our efficiency and effectiveness to reduce the time of asylum-seekers being

un-registered and un-documented.

Quite   many   refugees   earn   their   living   through   petty  businesses  such  as  this  small  kiosk    run  by    an  Eritrean  refugee    in  Shimelba  camp.  

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Prima facie refugee status determination is often the norm. Once refugees are registered,

they are moved to camps to be able to receive the necessary services available in camps.

Our efforts have always continued to provide the minimum services required to run a

refugee camp. Various services and initiatives are being pursued by the government to

improve the lives of refugees during their stay in Ethiopia. Tertiary education free

scholarships, the ‘out-of-camp’ scheme, skills training and the like are worth mentioning.

In its attempt to find durable solutions to the plight of refugees, the government has

helped in facilitating resettlement opportunities. Thousands of refugees were resettled in

third countries of asylum as a result, mainly in USA, Europe and Australia. The

government, in collaboration with UNHCR and IOM, has facilitated the resettlement of

thousands of “individual” and “group” resettlement processes.

A  group  of  Eritrean  refugees  wave  their  hands  as  they  leave  Ethiopia  for  third  countries  of  asylum  as  part  of  a  group  resettlement  program.  

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IV. Testimonies given by refugees to Ethiopia’s Hospitality

Nyakel Pal, a 28 years old South Sudanese said “It is my second time to come to Ethiopia

as a refugee. I happened to be a refugee in Dimma refugee camp from 2003 to 2007. I

was returned voluntarily back home during the voluntary repatriation that took place at

beginning of 2008. Ethiopians were very supportive and kind to me and my family. At that

time, we were very well protected. We also received adequate food, education, water,

health and other service.

“When I came for the second time, I knew that I can get the same support. I am also

familiar with the culture of the community I am living with. They are very much welcoming.

They share with us whatever they own. I felt like I am living in my own country.”

“We need peace. I will be happy if this message reaches the leaders of SPLM and Rick

Machar because most of us fled to Ethiopia and other countries because our rulers

couldn’t manage to solve their differences through discussion around the table. We are

lucky enough to be alive. Our brothers and sisters have lost their lives due to lack of

peace in south Sudan. We need peace. Please do whatever is possible to achieve it.”

Many   among   the   newly   arriving   South   Sudanese  refugees  are  women  and  children.  

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Mr. Samuel Dermas, aged 36, is an Eritrean refugee currently working on his PhD at the

Addis Ababa University. He recounts his story: “My flight story was tough and too risky. I

left Eritrea as soon as I started to be threatened of being arrested if I did not terminate

working as an English language trainer at the British Council in Asmara. The last threat

before my flight is “you’ll end up in jail if you continue working with the white men.” I

decided to flee from my country leaving my beloved wife and children behind for fear of

ending up in prison.”

“Trekking from Eritrea to the border with Ethiopia was rough and full of risk since the

Eritrean border security personnel stationed along the border areas have shoot-to-kill

orders. The full moon in the night when I was travelling added visibility, requiring my

cautious moves. I was dog tired due to the three-day trekking at night by avoiding the

moon light. Fortune was on my side to be in the good hands of the Ethiopian army

stationed along the border. I was offered a warm treatment by the border security which

is quite contrary to the information circulating while I was in Eritrea.

“I narrowly escaped being shot at by the Eritrean security stationed at the crossing point

and found myself in the hands of an Ethiopian soldier at the border. The Ethiopian soldier

whom I first met in the border was very kind to me when he realized that I came from

Members   of   an   Eritrean   refugee  music   band  performing  during  a  concert  organized  at  camp  level.  

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Eritrea in search of asylum. I told him that “I am too tired and that I had escaped from

being killed a while ago. He immediately said ‘welcome sir and feel at home and gave me

water to drink and bread to eat. He also asked my permission to wash my feet. The

Ethiopian soldier informed his colleagues by saying ‘we have a guest here with me. It’s

true, I was treated like a good guest and this scenario still fresh in my mind”. The people

and government of Ethiopia are providing a warm hospitality which shows their concern to

Eritreans. The support and encouragements provided by the people and government of

Ethiopia to Eritrean refugees is great and I want to share this goodwill with all the Eritrean

people”.

Commenting on the various opportunities given by the people and government of Ethiopia

to Eritreans refugees, Mr.Samuel said “the young Eritrean refugees can attend in any of

the schools here in Ethiopia including in institutions of higher learning. This is not the

case back in Eritrea due to forced military service such as the Sawa”.

Lul Duale, 38, is a Somali refugee mother from Medina Village in Mogadishu. She speaks

about her initial feelings when she arrived in the Ethiopian side of the border. “ Our arrival

in Dollo Ethiopia, a land of peace with good people was a blessing. This was the first

time that I was able to observe that Ethiopians are very peaceful. We used to hear

different stories about them in Mogadishu. On arrival in Dollo Ethiopia, we were

A   group   of   Somali   refugee   women   attending     tailoring  classes  at  a  vocational  training  center  in  Dollo  Ado  camps.    

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immediately provided with food and water. My sick son is receiving medical treatment.

We stay in tents. We were provided with food in Dollo Ethiopia. We knew we had

escaped death any way. I slept soundly for the first time in the peaceful town of Dollo.

Peace is above anything.”

Eritrean   refugee   students   practice   electric  installation  in  a  lab  at  Adi-­‐Harush  refugee  camp.  

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Summary

The government of Ethiopia is doing its best to discharge its responsibilities with regards to hosting refugees as stipulated in the country’s Foreign and National Security Policy and Strategy. The Foreign and National Security Policy and Strategy endorsed in 2002 on the principle that it should contribute to the struggle against poverty and to the promotion of rapid economic development, democracy and peace, has reversed the profile of the country from ‘a producer of refugees’ to ‘home of refugees’.

The dedication and commitment to assist refugees is demonstrated by the government and its peoples’ in receiving and hosting refugees and standing by their side at times of crisis. This has contributed greatly to the development of mutual trust among the refugee and hosting communities and further has created a conducive environment to promote a strong relationship among countries of the region.

At present, Ethiopia has become Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nation. Although this is not an enviable position to be in, it is in a way a testimony to Ethiopia becoming a preferred refugee destination in Eastern Africa. As witnessed in many occasions, refugees have been expressing their appreciation, love and respect towards the people and government of Ethiopia for the hospitality extended to them during their stay in the country. As a result, refugees hosted in the country consider Ethiopia as their second home.

However, the ever dwindling amount of resources may compromise the quality of protection and assistance extended to refugees. Accommodating such a huge number of refugees requires more resources for the government of Ethiopia to be able to discharge its responsibilities adequately. It is therefore necessary for the international community to pay more attention to the plight of refugees in Ethiopia and provide the necessary resources.

The Head of the UNHCR, Mr. António Guterres, has often urged the international community to extend support to refugees elsewhere and in particular to those in Ethiopia. “It is absolutely essential that the international community mobilizes itself to support the refugees in Ethiopia which is hosting them, having kept its borders open in a very, very generous way”, said the High Commissioner in his recent visit to the country.

The government of Ethiopia as in previous years continues to discharge its duties and responsibilities and once again expresses its commitment to provide the necessary protection and assistance to refugees sheltered in various locations. Ethiopia further upholds its good track record in respecting the international refugee conventions it has ratified. The Ethiopia government hereby reaffirms its commitment to serving refugees in line with its open-door policy and strengthening people to people relation of neighboring nations.

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Annexes

i. Number of Refugee Camps

Countries of Origin 2004 2014

Somalia 3 8

South Sudan 3 5

Sudan 2 4

Eritrea 1 6

Total 9 23

ii. Refugee Population

Countries of Origin

2004 2009 2014

Somalia 28109 59713 245039

South Sudan --- 20534 234565

Sudan 91000 3550 42565

Eritrea 6227 45209 125205

Various Countries --- 1634 6562

Total 125336 130640 653936

iii. Refugee Students currently enrolled at different levels of education

Education Levels

Sex

Female Male Total

Up to Grade 12 54222 71042 125264

TVET 1316 1901 3217

Diploma 95 117 212

First Degree 195 1535 1730

Master Program 7 16 23

PHD - 1 1

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iv. Refugee Graduates from Technical & Vocational Schools, Universities and Colleges

Sex

Female Male Total

TVET 2175 4025 6200

Diploma 324 681 1005

Degree (2013/ 2014

intakes)

58 243 301

Master (2013/14 intakes) 4 29 33

v. Resettlement Beneficiaries to third countries of Asylum

Eritrea 19369

Somalia 9093

South Sudan 372

Others 490

Total 29324