The Protection of Ethnic Conflict-induced IDPs in Ethiopia: A Case Study of Guraferda Woreda in Bench- Maji Zone
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Date
2017-04
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Addis Ababa,University
Abstract
Apart from natural disasters Ethnic or Inter communal conflict, generalized violence and human
rights violations have been identified as the major man-made causes of internal displacement in
Ethiopia. Examining, on the basis of international standards, the adequacy of national laws,
policies and strategies to properly respond to the plight of IDPs in general and ethnic conflictinduced
IDPs in particular is the central subject of this study. To strength the facts a case study
of Guraferda forced eviction and displacement is included. The justifications behind the forced
evictions and the manner of displacement were assessed on the basis of international law. To this
end both primary and secondary sources were employed. Semi-structured interview which
detailed on legal standards was utilized to interview both government officials and some of the
victims to get a significant primary data. Primarily thematic data analysis and in few occasions
explanatory method was employed in data analysis. The study found out that the justifications for
the forced evictions of the peasants from Guraferda woreda; holding land and building house
without permit, committing deforestation and injuring the ecosystem are not in conformity with
international law which specifically outlawed displacements that are not justified by the safety
and wellbeing of the displaced or outweighing public interest. Even though the grounds alleged
by the authorities could be said reasonable, the manner of the eviction significantly violated
several human rights including the right to movement, the right to liberty, the right to life and
physical integrity while at the same time it disregarded minimum due process guarantees such as
voluntariness, prior information, and proper time to prepare themselves. IDPs in general and
ethnic conflict-induced IDPs in particular are not protected in special law, policy, and strategy
and or action plan in the country and the existing general policy and action plan do not
accommodate the special needs of IDPs. Particularly ethnic conflict-induced IDPs, in addition
to the lack of human rights respect and humanitarian assistance, have no guarantee for durable
solutions as these sustainable solutions are at the discretionary palm of the concerned local or
regional government.
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The Protection of Ethnic Conflict-Induced IDPs in Ethiopia: