Ethiopia - Refugees, asylum-seekers and others of concern (urban)

2020

Urban refugees continued to access basic services provided through public service providers. Community-based protection services were provided, as well as gender-based violence and child protection services. Refugee outreach volunteers (ROVs) played a prominent role in protection monitoring activities as well as in raising awareness on health-related issues.

During the reporting period, ARRA made significant progress on the implementation of the Economic Opportunity Programme (EOP) and Refugee Right to Work Directive. 2,600 residence permits for registered refugees were processed and are at the final stage for signature. ARRA formally adopted three Directives to implement key provisions of the Refugee Proclamation, demonstrating progress on the right to work, freedom of residence and movement outside of camps, and grievance and appeals mechanisms: (i) the Directive to Determine Conditions for Movement and Residence of Refugees Outside of Camps, Directive No. 01/2019; and (ii) the Directive to Determine the Procedure for Refugees’ Right to Work, Directive No. 02/2019; and (iii) the Refugees’ and Returnees’ Grievances and Appeals Handling Directive, Directive No. 03/2019. UNHCR supported ARRA with English translations and printing of the Directives for distribution to refugees, partners and donors. However, the scope of implementation remained limited.

Cash assistance remained at the core of the urban assistance programme. Through a strong partnership with the financial provider, 4,000 refugees received monthly allowances. The payment processes were improved ensuring that eligible refugees could access their payments in a timely matter.

Ethiopia has taken important steps in applying comprehensive responses, setting the direction for reinforced efforts in 2020. The implementation of the Government’s pledge to expand its Out-of-Camp Policy (OCP) to benefit 10% of the current refugee population requires continues engagement and proper consideration. Refugees have the possibility to move in and out of the camp settlements and engage with local communities. As of December 2020, around 34,000 Eritrean refugees were residing in Addis Ababa with OCP status.

A hotline and Telegram group were established for refugees through which they can report protection concerns. The elected refugee representatives were closely engaged to ensure all refugees have access to relevant information and services.

A total of 954 cases of separation, abuse, neglect, violence or exploitation against children were reported. 126 Best interest sssessments (BIAs) were conducted for refugee children at risk of violence, abuse and neglect. A total of 117 unaccompanied and separated children (60 girls, 57 boys) were identified, placed in alternative care arrangements, and received psychosocial support. Foster families hosting 82 unaccompanied and separated children (35 girls, 47 boys) received cash assistance on a monthly basis to support the children under their care. 104 children (56 boys and 48 girls) were provided with individual protection assistance, which included cash and in-kind assistance. Around 120 gender-based violence incidents were reported, with all survivors receiving psychosocial counselling. Home visits, provision of a one-time emergency subsidy, temporary shelter in the safehouse and medical care services were extended through the referral pathway through a survivor-centred approach. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of protection activities were suspended, including the temporary closure of the reception centre in Addis Ababa. A protection helpline service was established, and key messages on gender-based violence prevention and response, translated into seven languages were disseminated via social media platforms. The helpline received 2,000 calls between April and December.