Ethiopia hosts over one million refugees, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, making it the third largest refugee host in Africa. The conflict in Sudan has caused an increased arrival of forcibly displaced people. In March 2024, Ethiopia, in collaboration with UNHCR, began issuing digital identity documents to promote refugee inclusion.
Ethiopia ranks as the third largest host nation for refugees in Africa, currently accommodating over one million refugees and asylum seekers, predominantly from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. The humanitarian situation has been exacerbated since April 2023, following the outbreak of armed conflict in Sudan, leading to a significant increase in forcibly displaced individuals entering Ethiopia through various checkpoints.
In a noteworthy development, on 6 March 2024, the Ethiopian government’s Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), in partnership with the National ID Program (NIDP) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), initiated the provision of digital identity documents. This initiative aims to promote the inclusion of refugees within the national framework and enhance their access to essential services.
Ethiopia stands as a crucial refuge for displaced populations, housing over one million individuals primarily from neighboring countries. The recent conflict in Sudan has intensified the influx of refugees. Initiatives such as the launch of digital identity documents demonstrate Ethiopia’s commitment to integrating refugees within its national systems, fostering greater inclusion and support for this vulnerable population.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
