Addis Abeba – The Refugee and Returnee Service (RRS) has announced plans to move Eritrean asylum seekers from Addis Abeba to a shelter in the Afar region.
Daba Lema, Director of Refugee Protection at RRS, said his team is preparing facilities in Abala to house the refugees. However, the move depends on funding from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Currently, RRS does not register Eritrean asylum seekers in Addis Abeba. Registration happens only within 25 kilometers of the border. “We will first gather those without documents at a center before relocating them,” Daba explained.
Although RRS has done some preparations, financial issues have delayed the relocation. Still, Daba assured that the refugees will receive proper support once they move.
Refugees Face Serious Challenges
According to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), undocumented refugees in Addis Abeba face many problems. For example, they struggle to access basic services such as education and healthcare. Enguday Meskele, Director of Refugee Rights at EHRC, said, “Their lack of legal status makes them very vulnerable.”
Eritrean Refugee Numbers Keep Rising
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported that Eritrean asylum seekers continue to enter Ethiopia. Since January 2024, more than 20,000 Eritreans have crossed the border. This brings the total number of registered Eritrean refugees in the country to over 70,000.
Safety Issues in Amhara Region Camps
Meanwhile, Eritrean and Sudanese refugees in the Amhara region are asking for relocation. They say they face frequent attacks and poor security conditions. Refugees in Alemwach camp, which hosts more than 21,000 Eritreans, reported incidents of robbery, violence, and kidnappings. Camp leaders stated that these attacks have caused at least nine deaths over the past year.
In conclusion, the planned relocation to Afar will help address these issues. It will give Eritrean asylum seekers a safer place to stay and better access to support services.
