FFVT on point: The situation of forced migration and durable solutions in Ethiopia - Statement Asresahegn Birhanu Gelaw

There is no single reason for displacement - hence there is no single solution to all problems that turn people into refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Refugees and IDPs have faced stern challenges worldwide; problem ranging from systematic discrimination to overt pushback is taking place in both the global north and the global south.  

Ethiopia has a long history of providing refuge for forcibly displaced people. Currently, the country hosts near to 800,000 refugees and millions of IDPs. IDPs are Amhara, Afar, Somali, and other nationals displaced due to conflict, ethnic atrocities, and drought.  Ethiopia has taken fundamental measures to address refugee issues in recent years, including the 2019 refugee proclamation. Following the 2016 New York Declaration on Refugee and Migration, Ethiopia adopted the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework road map and the National Comprehensive Refugee Response Strategy for protracted refugees and Durable Solution Initiatives (DSI) for internally displaced persons.

However, the politico-economic crises going on in the country hinders greatly all refugee and IDP responses and activities. Immediate humanitarian response is needed for these IDPs in the country who are facing severe challenges.