Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia

Prepared by Moonzajer

Causes of Displacement

The military carries out routine conscription round-ups, known as

‘Giffas', in homes, workplaces, the street or other public places, with

the aim of rounding up persons considered fit to serve.

Facing detention and torture, systematic human rights abuses,

including arbitrary arrest and detention, torture, forced labor,

severe restrictions on freedom of movement and expression,

and persistent religious persecution. (ENA, 2009)

Serve forever or die at once ! Constant political repression

Legal status of displacees in Ethiopia Eritrea and Ethiopia used to be a single country, but a 1993 referendum saw Eritreans vote for

independence. Tension between Addis Ababa and Asmara and has persisted since a bloody two-year border

war, in which tens of thousands were killed, ended in 2000.

Legal status are given refugees by the UNHCR and government of Ethiopia. Ethiopia welcomes the arrival

of Eritrean refugees due to political conflicts with Asmara (Markos, 2008)

Refugees must obtain a permit that specifies the travel time granted. The Ethiopian government also issues

“location-specific Orange Cards to Eritreans it allows to leave the camps.

Three Refugee camps for Eritreans in Ethiopia near Eritrea border Shimelba (established in 2004), Mai-

Ayna (2008) and Adi Harush (2010). Ethiopia signed all conventions with the UNHCR and one of the Africa

largest refugee supporters in Africa. The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, the 1967

Protocols to the Convention, and the mandate of the United Nations High Commission on Refugees

(HRW, 2009)

The government allows Eritrean to live with their relatives in urban areas and to study in higher learning

institutions at their own expense

Ethiopia also has 240,300 Somalia refugees, 95,000 South Sudanese.

Implications of displacement Unlike refugees coming to Ethiopia from other countries, most Eritrean refugees are

able-bodied young men, they are all educated. (Human resource)

Since 2006, 6000 Eritrean refugees sheltered at Kebribeyah camp have left for the

U.S. under an asylum privilege provided by the United States of America (USCRI,

2009) .

Tigray Peoples' Democratic Movement (TPDM), the only party of Eritrea led by

president Issaias Afeworki. Refugees help the Ethiopian government to stop

infiltration as they are stationed in camps close to border (Border politics).

Eritrean refugees contribute largely to the economic empowerment of Ethiopia

through on and off camps activities. Even some Eritrean nationals are accepted as

nationals of Ethiopia. Other countries such as USA, and European members also

conducts programs for refugees to be considered for asylum (Economic implications).

The fate of Displacees

Voluntary repatriation(Not an option):Eritrean refugees are faced with horrifying

experiences if they return back. They will face indefinite detention, torture and rape.

Involuntary repatriation (refoulement): Not ever experienced since 1993 conflicts up to

now. The political conflicts between Asmara and Addis Baba has taken this option off the

table, and the Addis Baba I not refouling the Refugees back to Ethiopia.

Resettlement: USA, Germany, France, Kenya , Australia, Canada are the countries which

have conducted asylum programs for resettlement of Eritrean in their countries.

Local integration : Government of Ethiopia periodically conduct asylum giving programs

and give citizen ship to the Eritrean refugees.

Tigray Peoples' Democratic Movement

Tigray Peoples' Democratic Movement

References:

Ethiopian News Agency (ENA). 10 March 2009. “Ethiopian Government, UNHCR Appeal forAdditional Assistances to Eritrean Refugees.”

http://www.ena.gov.et/EnglishNews/2009/Mar/10Mar09/82527.htm

18 January 2008. “Eritrean Refugees Allowed to Reside in Urban Areas Arrive to Debre Markos.” http://www.ena.gov.et/EnglishNews/2008/Jan/19Jan08/48230.htm

Human Rights Watch (HRW). 8 May 2009. Ben Rawlence. “Eritrea: Slender Land, Giant Prison.” http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/05/06/eritrea-slender-landgiant-prison

Refugees International. 30 June 2008. “Ethiopia: Eritrean Refugees in Ethiopia. ”http://www.refugeesinternational.org/blog/photo-report/ethiopia-2008-eritreanrefugees Ethiopia

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). 2009. “Country Report: Ethiopia.” World Refugee Survey 2009. http://www.worldrefugeesurvey.org/index.php?title=Ethiopia