The UNHCR calls for enhanced protection for Eritrean asylum-seekers in Ethiopia amid a surge of arrivals. An estimated 20,000 Eritreans have entered since January, joining over 70,000 already registered. The agency emphasizes the need for prompt registration to ensure access to healthcare, education, and to reduce risks of human trafficking. Ethiopia, as Africa’s third-largest refugee host, plays a critical role in providing safety for these individuals.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has urgently called for enhanced protective measures for Eritrean asylum-seekers arriving in Ethiopia. This plea comes as thousands of Eritreans have entered Ethiopia, predominantly through its northern regions of Afar and Tigray, in search of international protection and essential support. With an estimated 20,000 Eritreans crossing into the country since January, they are adding to a sizeable population of over 70,000 registered Eritrean refugees already residing there. The UNHCR emphasizes that facilitating early support for these new arrivals is vital for their protection. Particularly, the registration and documentation process are highlighted as crucial steps for asylum-seekers, which not only enhances their protection but also facilitates access to fundamental services including healthcare, education, family reunification, and employment rights. Furthermore, the agency underlines that prompt registration can mitigate risks of human trafficking, ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals. Ethiopia stands as the third-largest host of refugees in Africa, accommodating over one million refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from neighboring countries such as South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. In light of these circumstances, the UNHCR has expressed its commitment to cooperate with the Ethiopian government to improve registration access for Eritrean asylum-seekers, reinforcing the protection framework needed for these individuals during their precarious transition.
The situation of Eritrean asylum-seekers in Ethiopia has become increasingly critical, prompting the UNHCR’s advocacy for enhanced protective measures. The influx of individuals fleeing Eritrea, particularly into Ethiopia’s northern regions, highlights the urgent need for international attention and support. Understanding the context of this refugee crisis requires an overview of the political and humanitarian conditions in Eritrea that drive its citizens to seek safety in neighboring countries such as Ethiopia, which is historically known for hosting large numbers of refugees.
In conclusion, the UNHCR’s call for strengthened protections for Eritrean asylum-seekers arriving in Ethiopia underscores the importance of timely and adequate response mechanisms in refugee situations. Ensuring registration and access to essential services is critical not only for protecting the rights of these individuals but also for their successful integration into Ethiopian society. Continued collaboration between the UNHCR and the Ethiopian government will be imperative in addressing these urgent humanitarian needs.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
