Ethiopia: Information on the current position of the UNHCR in Geneva concerning the repatriation of Ethiopian refugees
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | ETH17368.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ethiopia: Information on the current position of the UNHCR in Geneva concerning the repatriation of Ethiopian refugees, 1 June 1994, ETH17368.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abc888.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A representative of the Ethiopia desk at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva stated that the current position of the UNHCR is that in principle Ethiopians refugees can return to Ethiopia (15 June 1994). The UNHCR is currently involved in the voluntary repatriation of Ethiopian refugees to Ethiopia. The refugees being repatriated are generally from around the region. UNHCR assistance includes transportation and provision of farming materials for returnees, in order that they may continue their livelihoods in farming upon their return. The UNHCR also monitors the situation to determine whether or not the returnees are making any progress. UNHCR involvement does not extend to development projects, which it considers to be outside its mandate. As a result, beyond the initial assistance UNHCR offers within its mandate, returning Ethiopian refugees "will be on their own" upon their return to the country. However, they are being received by the local authorities and resettled.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
Reference
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Geneva. 15 June 1994. Telephone interview with representative of Ethiopia Desk.