UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, works around the world to safeguard the rights and well-being of:
- Asylum-seekers and refugees who have fled to other countries due to conflict and persecution,
- Forcibly displaced persons within their own country of origin (known as internally displaced persons or IDPs),
- People who are not considered citizens of any country (known as stateless or people at risk of becoming stateless).
What is UNHCR’s role in Ethiopia?
UNHCR works globally to protect people who have been forcibly displaced and/or are stateless.
In Ethiopia, UNHCR works with the Government and other partners to ensure that refugees and those displaced live safely and with dignity and attain a suitable, durable solution.
We collaborate with the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), the national agency that manages the asylum system in Ethiopia.
In Ethiopia, UNHCR facilitates and offers to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced and stateless people support and services, such as:
- Information and counselling services (about asylum, voluntary repatriation, additional protection, resettlement etc.);
- Registration of asylum application in Ethiopia;
- Provision of documents (such as Asylum-Seeker Certificate, Proof of Registration, Refugee Identity Card);
- Support for access to civil documentation in Ethiopia, school enrolment, medical care and related services;
- Legal counselling and assistance, as well as support for cases of harm or abuse;
- Support and receive reports of fraud, sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual and gender-based violence.
