Shire Operation: In 2013, around 15, 800 new arrivals were registered by ARRA and UNHCR. The total population at the end of 2013 stood at over 60, 200 individuals. UNHCR will continue to provide protection and assistance to the projected refugee population of over 78,000 persons and 97,800 persons for 2014 and 2015 respectively. The Government of Ethiopia (GoE) and UNHCR will maintain and improve the level of individual documentation by issuing ID cards to all refugees. UNHCR will work closely with ARRA to ensure all the new born babies in all camps receive birth certificates. Persons with specifics needs will receive adequate assistance. In addition, the refugee and asylum seeking population will be provided with basic services including shelters, food, core relief items (CRIs), health, and education. A majority of the Eritrean refugee population is made up of unaccompanied minors and separated children (UASC) so UNHCR’s protection strategy in the region will reflect this demographic. Most of the refugees profiled in the Shire camps are young men who would prefer to continue onto different countries, especially Europe, rather than settling in the camps. UNHCR will conduct sensitization campaigns on these secondary movements in order to prevent trafficking and smuggling , and to minimize levels of illegal movement. The protection risks faced by person of concern in particular with discrimination, SGBV and specific risks by children will be reduced consequently. Promoting active participation in decision making of persons of concern and building coexistence with the hosting communities will also be highly entertained in 2015.
Afar Operation: The protection strategy of the Afar operation will take into account the increasing number of new arrivals, the deteriorating political and economic situation of country of origin, the current level of service provision in the camps and the prevailing resource limitations of the host community. The continuous influx, coupled with delays in registration and service provision has created frustration among the asylum seekers and host community members. Services that UNHCR and partners are currently providing in the camp are not yet sufficient to support the continuous influx of refugees. Hence, the operation will focus on six key areas:
- Continuous registration together with the establishment of reception facilities and a screening centre
- Services in the camp need to be upgraded to maximize the number of refugees hosted in the camp with special emphasis given to water supply, shelter and domestic energy.
- Strengthening community based child protection mechanisms.
- Developing capacity of law enforcement bodies.
- Introducing community mobilization methodology that fits the context in Afar and designing a program to address the concerns of people with specific needs.
- There is a need to upgrade the capacity of the host community public service facilities to adequately meet the needs of the refugees living with the community.