Generations of refugees in eastern Africa are growing up in camps due to prolonged conflicts, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing displacement. On World Refugee Day, experts emphasize the need for a reevaluation of refugee management policies, advocating for the end of compulsory encampment and improved documentation. Ethiopia recently initiated a refugee inclusion program, modeled after Kenya’s Shirika Plan, aimed at giving refugees special IDs and allowing them to work in specific sectors. Currently, 6.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers are registered in the region, with many facing lengthy asylum periods averaging nearly 16 years. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of proper documentation, which limits refugees’ rights and their ability to contribute to society.
Why It Matters
The refugee crisis in eastern Africa is significant, with Ethiopia hosting 1.1 million refugees and facing a pressing need for sustainable solutions. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in over 4.4 million Sudanese fleeing across borders since April 2023, contributing to the region’s displacement crisis. The UNHCR reports a stark decrease in funding for refugee support, with only 13 percent of the 2026 Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan funded, adversely affecting the provision of services and protection for vulnerable populations. Addressing these issues is critical for fostering stability and ensuring that refugees can rebuild their lives.
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