Ethiopia’s Refugee Response Amid Sudan Conflict: Socioeconomic Insights for 2025
Ethiopia continues to host over 1 million refugees, particularly from South Sudan and Somalia. In response to the Sudan conflict, over 60,000 asylum seekers have entered Ethiopia since April 2023. The government, in partnership with UNHCR, is implementing policies to enhance refugees’ economic inclusion, while navigating challenges related to access to capital and services. A settlement approach aims to integrate refugees into national programs, benefiting both refugees and host communities.
Ethiopia remains committed to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, currently hosting over 1 million individuals, chiefly from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. Since the onset of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, more than 60,000 individuals have sought refuge in Ethiopia by August 2024, with a significant influx through the Metema and Kurmuk entry points. Additionally, approximately 12,000 Ethiopian refugees have returned to Tigray, highlighting the ongoing displacement crisis.
The Ethiopian government continues to honor its international obligations, creating a conducive environment for economic inclusion for refugees via the right to work proclamation. Efforts are underway to improve access to identification documents, which are critical for refugees to obtain services and engage economically. However, challenges such as limited access to capital still inhibit many from starting businesses or becoming self-employed.
Sudanese asylum seekers are categorized as prima facie refugees, while evaluation of non-Sudanese individuals is undertaken on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with Ethiopia’s Refugees Proclamation No. 1110/2019. Coordination between the Ethiopian government and UNHCR aims to effectively manage the influx of refugees, emphasizing daily border monitoring and registration, alongside the provision of essential services.
In response to the refugee crisis, a settlement approach is being adopted, aligning with the Ethiopian government’s commitments made during the 2023 Global Refugee Forum. While immediate life-saving actions are prioritized, collaborative planning seeks to relocate refugees from reception centers to integrated settlements where they can access national services alongside local populations.
Overall, the Ethiopian government’s initiatives exemplify a commitment to integrating refugees into national frameworks, ensuring that they receive vital support while also contributing to the host communities. This multifaceted approach reflects a deeper understanding of the interplay between international obligations and local realities in managing refugee inflows effectively.
The ongoing refugee situation in Ethiopia has been significantly impacted by the conflict in Sudan, prompting a large influx of individuals seeking safety. Ethiopia’s humanitarian response is characterized by an open-border policy and active collaboration with UNHCR to provide support, legal recognition, and socioeconomic opportunities for refugees. The country’s initiatives are in line with its international commitments and the need for a holistic approach to integration and support for both refugees and host communities. The legal framework and policies established by the Ethiopian government, along with collaborative efforts with UNHCR, underscore the importance of maintaining a sustainable approach in addressing the needs of refugees within the context of local socioeconomic conditions. Despite the positive outlook characterized by the refugee right to work and other measures, existing barriers still pose challenges for refugees in accessing financial services and engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
Ethiopia’s approach to managing the refugee crisis demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling international obligations while ensuring that refugees are provided with essential services and economic opportunities. The government’s collaboration with UNHCR and the implementation of settlement strategies are crucial in supporting the welfare of both refugees and host communities. However, addressing existing barriers to entrepreneurship and financial inclusion will be vital to maximizing the potential contributions of refugees to Ethiopian society.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
