251
Government generally cooperates with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) and other humanitarian organisations in assisting refugees and
returning citizens. The ARRA distributes food provided by the World Food
programme (WFP). At times, there are delays with the food, causing scarcity
and hunger among refugees. During such times, refugees have to fend for
themselves. Both international and local NGOs support income generating
activities like tailoring, bamboo handcrafting, bee keeping, gardening. They also
offer peace-building programmes to support government in assisting the refugees.
At Sherkole Refugee Camp in Benishangul-Gumuz Province, the International
Rescue Committee (IRC) provides water, schools and voluntary testing services
for HIV/AIDS. The Rehabilitation and Development Organisation (RADO) provides
physical rehabilitation, mine risk education, and assists disabled refugees. The
Natural Resource Development and Environment Protection (NRDEP) programme
also assists in environment protection through reforestation.
252
At refugee camp health centres, one doctor is usually assisted by several nurses
and laboratory technicians. These health officials prescribe medication although
medicine is never readily available.
253
Like other Ethiopian children, the refugees are offered free primary education
from Grade 1 to Grade 8. However, they have to travel to nearby regional capital
towns for secondary and tertiary educational facilities. Undoubtedly, refugees
need a secondary school for their children’s further education.
Internally Displaced Persons
254
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimated there
were approximately 200,000 IDPs in the country, including an estimated 62,000
in the Tigray Region, 44,700 in the Gambella Region, 30,000 in the Borena area
of the Oromiya Region, and 50,000 on the border of the Oromiya and Somali
regions21.
255
The CRM was informed that conflict between government and insurgent forces in
the Ogaden area of the Somali Region resulted in the displacement of thousands
of people. Clashes between different clans, often over competition for scarce
resources or from disputes over territorial boundaries, caused displaced persons
and resulted in deaths and injuries. Apart from clan clashes, other causes of
displacement include drought and flooding.
256
However inadequate, government has responded to the disaster of displacement
21
US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour: Country Reports on Human Rights Practices,
Ethiopia, February 2009, available on http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2008/af/119001.htm.
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