SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Ethiopia has experienced an unprecedented increase in forced displacement within its borders over the last four decades, with the highest number recorded in 2021, when over 5.38 million people were displaced. Although the nature and dynamics of internal displacement have evolved somewhat, over 4.6 million people were forcibly displaced in 2022. This displacement has been triggered by diverse factors including conflict and natural disasters. Many of those uprooted display significant vulnerabilities. As such, the need for protection and durable solutions is pressing. This analysis reviews and identifies gaps within the existing legal and policy frameworks related to internally displaced persons (IDPs), and provides some recommendations on prevention and protection of these groups from attacks, pervasive human rights abuses and re-displacement. A durable solution requires strengthening of the legal system, adoption of an institutional framework centred on human security, and a proactive policy involving concerted efforts from multiple actors.