AN ASSESSMENT OF SOMALI URBAN REFUGEE INTEGARATION IN ADDISABA: THE CASE OF BOLE SUB-CITY

Abstract

This study is the assessment of social integration, access to social services of Somali urban refugees. It also assessed the perception of Somali urban refugees residing in Addis Ababa on the scheme of urban assisted refugee. The study was conducted at Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa, where mass Somali refugees are residing. Data were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. Research participants were purposively selected for in-depth interview based on heterogeneous selection criteria. They were selected based on their sex, age, household status, and opportunity to be urban assisted refugees. Twelve (12) research participants were selected for in-depth interview from urban assisted refugees living in Bole sub-city based on maximum variation in which participants experienced similar phenomena but with different variations were purposively selected based on the prejudged criteria to collect data from multiple people with multiple perspective. For key informant interview, three people were selected from ARRA, Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) EOC-DICAC and head of Somali urban refugee. The data collection of this particular study is coincided with the state of emergency. Data was collected from the interviewees. The researcher got a list of Somali urban refugees and their cell phones, Most of the interviews took place in the houses of respondents as per connected through cell phone. The responses from the interview and KII were recorded and notes were taken. Also, the interview with the key informants from NGOs conducted through cell phone as their availability, so the researcher an avoided the challenges that might have resulted due to pandemic situation. Thematic analysis was employed to analyses the gathered information. It was founded social integration majority of the respondents had minimal exposure and low integration due to limited language proficiency as well as lack of initiation from their side. Positive integration view of the respondents stated they have positive of socio-economic integration from their host side and similarities of religion and sub part of the cultural of both nations. Regarding access to basic social services, the study showed that there is better access in the city although it is not rendered as a free service for refugees. The study illustrates that the major source of income of the urban refugees was remittance support coming from their families and friends living abroad. The overall reaction to the urban assisted scheme was positive. Major social work interventions should be on areas of refugees‟ on social integration and livelihood support.