Empowering Ethiopia's Refugees: Pathways to Self-Reliance and Integration

Ethiopia's refugee situation requires improved socioeconomic outcomes through self-reliance and economic integration policies. Despite progressive legal frameworks, refugees face significant challenges in accessing education, employment, and basic services.

The World Bank's report on Ethiopia's refugee situation delves into the multifaceted challenges and policy efforts surrounding nearly one million refugees in Ethiopia. Originating primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan, these refugees are largely settled in rural camps near border areas, though some reside in urban settings under the Out-of-Camp Policy (OCP). Despite Ethiopia's progressive policies, including the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) and a new Refugee Proclamation granting rights to work, education, and mobility, implementation delays hamper tangible socioeconomic outcomes for refugees.

Supporting Refugee Self-Reliance and Integration

The report emphasizes the importance of shifting towards supporting refugees' self-reliance and economic integration. This includes facilitating their access to the labor market and integrating refugee children into the education system. The Socio-Economic Survey of Refugees in Ethiopia (SESRE) plays a crucial role in informing policy decisions by providing comprehensive data on refugees and host communities. Covering demographic profiles, livelihoods, welfare patterns, and social cohesion, SESRE aims to guide development interventions and improve refugee integration. Ethiopia's refugee population shares similar demographic characteristics with host communities, but in-camp refugees have a higher share of children and youth. Educational attainment is low among both refugees and hosts, with in-camp refugees particularly disadvantaged. Health issues, including child malnutrition, are prevalent among both groups, while basic infrastructure like WASH facilities and electricity access are comparable, though housing conditions are worse for in-camp refugees.

Employment and Economic Opportunities

Employment opportunities for in-camp refugees are limited, leading to reliance on humanitarian aid. Refugees outside camps fare slightly better, particularly those with higher educational attainment. Female refugees contribute significantly to household incomes, often matching or exceeding male employment rates. However, occupational downgrading and lower earnings persist among refugees compared to hosts. Refugees' aspirations often involve unrealistic hopes of resettlement in Western countries, driven by a perceived lack of control over their lives. Poverty rates are higher among in-camp refugees, exacerbated by limited access to economic opportunities and legal restrictions on employment. Food security is also a concern, with in-camp refugees experiencing less diverse diets and higher food insecurity.

Economic Benefits of Refugee Integration

The report highlights the potential economic benefits of integrating refugees into the labor market and improving their living conditions. Policies promoting refugee self-reliance, such as easing mobility restrictions and facilitating labor market access, are crucial. Additionally, investing in refugee-hosting areas to benefit both communities can enhance social cohesion and economic outcomes. Host communities generally display positive attitudes towards refugees, with cultural and linguistic proximity playing a significant role. However, tensions exist, particularly in regions like Gambella.

Policy Recommendations for Better Outcomes

Policy recommendations include promoting refugee self-reliance, focusing on place-based interventions, and continuing the implementation of progressive policies to support both refugees and host communities. In conclusion, addressing the challenges faced by refugees in Ethiopia requires a comprehensive approach that leverages data from initiatives like SESRE and promotes self-reliance, economic integration, and access to education and health services. By fostering inclusive policies and investing in development interventions, Ethiopia can enhance the well-being of both refugees and host communities, creating a more resilient and prosperous future for all.

Moving Towards a Resilient Future

The World Bank's report underscores the urgent need for tangible socioeconomic improvements for Ethiopia's refugees. With nearly one million refugees, primarily from neighboring countries, Ethiopia's progressive policies like the CRRF and new Refugee Proclamation aim to grant rights to work, education, and mobility. However, implementation delays hinder these policies' effectiveness, leaving many refugees reliant on humanitarian aid. The report stresses the importance of supporting refugees' self-reliance and economic integration, particularly through access to the labor market and education. The Socio-Economic Survey of Refugees in Ethiopia (SESRE) is pivotal in guiding policy decisions, providing data on refugees and host communities to inform development interventions.