In commemoration of World Refugee Day, observed annually on June 20th, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) calls upon the Government of Ethiopia to reaffirm its commitment to upholding the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, in line with this year’s theme, “Solidarity with Refugees. For a World Where Refugees are Welcomed.“
Ethiopia has a long history of hosting refugees fleeing conflict and persecution. Currently, Ethiopia generously hosts over one million registered refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, Eritrea and Sudan. While most refugees reside in refugee camps, a smaller segment has found refuge in urban areas.
While EHRC recognizes the significant efforts undertaken by the Ethiopian Government in collaboration with relevant national and international humanitarian organizations, to provide protection for refugees, as evidenced by EHRC’s human rights situation monitoring, refugees continue to encounter some challenges. These challenges include issues related to access to asylum, safety and security, documentation, instances of arbitrary detention, access to justice, access to basic needs, humanitarian assistance, durable solutions, and refoulement concerns.
The principle of solidarity demands collective efforts of both the Government and the international community to ensure the protection of those fleeing conflict and persecution. International human rights laws guarantee refugees the right to seek asylum and prohibit their return to places where they might be persecuted. The Government must ensure fair and efficient asylum procedures and foster a welcoming environment where refugees can rebuild their lives with dignity and safety. While refugee-hosting countries have the responsibility to ensure protection of refugees within their jurisdiction, the international community must share this burden by recognizing the need for collective effort and cooperation to solve the challenges refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia are facing.
Reiterating EHRC recommendations in its Annual Refugees’ and Asylum Seekers’ Human Rights Situation Report, EHRC Deputy Chief Commissioner Rakeb Messele said, “While some positive steps have been taken, further coordination and collaboration between the Government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other relevant national and international development organizations are needed to create the welcoming environment that this year’s theme for World Refugees Day calls for, where the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of refugees are ensured in Ethiopia and in particular for those who have sought shelter in areas affected by conflict.”
