UNHCR’s protection and solution strategy in Jijiga will be dictated by community-based, rights-based, and age, gender and diversity (AGD) approaches. Activities implemented will ensure, admission to safe asylum territory, respect to non-refoulement principle, fair and efficient refugee status determination (RSD) procedures, efficient and accessible Government-led reception/ registration procedures, issuance of identification/ civil status documentation to refugees, efficient in-camp protection interventions, enhanced protection of women and children from violence, abuse/exploitation, prevention and response to SGBV, access to legal remedies and assistance services, and implementation of durable solutions.
The operation will emphasize inclusive protection by encouraging community participation and strengthening community’s structures and capacities. For example, the office will seek to involve men, women and girls’ engagement/empowerment groups to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and to help provide appropriate support to survivors. Livelihood and educational opportunities will be enhanced in order to reduce dependency, promote dignified/productive lives for refugees, reduce vulnerability to exploitation/ abuse and strengthen the community’s resilience and coping mechanisms.
In order to reduce and address operational complexities regarding the management of the oldest camp, Kebrebeyah, UNHCR in coordination with the government of Ethiopia, is planning to consolidate the camp, and relocate the remaining refugees in Awbare and/or Shedder. Strategic directions have been developed and discussed for a subsequent plan of action/ implementation in 2015.