ASSESMENT OF THE URBAN REFUGEE LIVELIHOOD IN ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF ERITREAN REFUGEE IN ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

The study examines the assessment of the urban refugee livelihood in Ethiopia: The case of Eritrean refugee in Addis Ababa. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research method and also used structured survey questioner with urban Eritrean refugees and semi structure interviews with Key informant from UNHCR, ARRA, EO-DICAC and NRC were conducted. In addition, FGDs with assisted and non-assisted (OCP) Eritrean refugees were held. Simple random sampling technique were used to select the sample size. The respondents for both interviews and FGDs were selected using simple random sampling technique based on the urban livelihood beneficiary lists found from implementing partner. Descriptive statistics such as percentage, mean value, cross tabulation were employed for data analysis. Data organization followed the data collection. The analysis was made in light of the research questions and objectives. The findings of this study have shown that the majority of the urban refugee status is non assisted urban refugee (OCP) who rely on the diaspora remittance from families and friends abroad. The urban refugee in Addis Ababa have face challenge to work in formal sectors majority of the refugee provided different vocational skill training but not practicing due to countries work permit. Even those refugees who were engaged in informal sectors are faced work place discrimination through low payment and summery dismissal. The study revel that Ethiopian Refugee proclamation of 409/2004, work permit and engaging in income generating economic activities is prohibited for refugees of any group in the country. On the other hand, the Eritrean refugees perceive the especial treatment provided for them as politically motivated and temporary. The historical and ongoing relations between Ethiopia and Eretria and also the 2010 out of camp policy impacted for the large number of Eritrean refugee to settle in urban area and left in a vulnerable situation with the lack of work permit. In such situation, securing self-reliance is nearly impossible. On the other hand consideration of Ethiopia as country of transit and the subsequent rely on the diaspora remittance the Eritrean refugee lack of motive engaged in livelihood activities.