Ethiopia is Africa’s third largest refugee host, with over 1 million refugees, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. The country has seen a surge in refugees since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023. A collaboration on March 6, 2024, led to the launch of digital identity documents for refugees to enhance inclusion.
Ethiopia ranks as the third largest host country for refugees in Africa, accommodating over 1 million refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea. In April 2023, armed conflict in Sudan led to an influx of thousands of refugees entering Ethiopia through various points of entry, further straining resources.
On March 6, 2024, the Ethiopian government, through its Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), in cooperation with the National ID Program (NIDP) and UNHCR, initiated a program to issue digital identity documents. This initiative aims to enhance the integration of refugees into Ethiopia’s national system, promoting their inclusion in society.
Ethiopia’s significant role as a refuge for displaced individuals underscores its ongoing humanitarian efforts. The recent advancements in providing digital identity documentation symbolize a strategic move towards integrating refugees into the local framework, ensuring their inclusion and support within the national context.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
