Hosting Refugees in Ethiopia

Transcription

1 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. 1

2 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. 2

3 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. 3

4 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. 4

5 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. 5

6 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. 6

7 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. 7

8 Somali refugee youth playing a friendly football match with the host community in Sheder refugee camp. 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. 8

9 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. 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. 9

10 Members of the refugee circus team showing acrobatics during an awareness raising campaign in Pugnido refugee camp. 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 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 63 rd session the EXCOM meeting in Geneva on 1 st October 10

11 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. 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. 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. 11

12 A group of Eritrean graduates from Mekelle University. 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. 12

13 Refugee from South Sudan attend classes at a primary school in Pugnido camp in Gambella region. 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. 13

14 Quite many refugees earn their living through petty businesses such as this small kiosk run by an Eritrean refugee in Shimelba camp. 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. 14

15 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. 15

16 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 I was returned voluntarily back home during the voluntary repatriation that took place at beginning of 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. Many among the newly arriving South Sudanese refugees are women and children. 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. 16

17 Members of an Eritrean refugee music band performing during a concert organized at camp level. 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 17

18 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. A group of Somali refugee women attending tailoring classes at a vocational training center in Dollo Ado camps. 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 18

19 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. 19

20 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. 20

21 Annexes i. Number of Refugee Camps Countries of Origin Somalia 3 8 South Sudan 3 5 Sudan 2 4 Eritrea 1 6 Total 9 23 ii. Refugee Population Countries of Origin Somalia South Sudan Sudan Eritrea Various Countries Total iii. Refugee Students currently enrolled at different levels of education Sex Education Levels Female Male Total Up to Grade TVET Diploma First Degree Master Program PHD

22 iv. Refugee Graduates from Technical & Vocational Schools, Universities and Colleges Sex Female Male Total TVET Diploma Degree (2013/ intakes) Master (2013/14 intakes) v. Resettlement Beneficiaries to third countries of Asylum Eritrea Somalia 9093 South Sudan 372 Others 490 Total