Local Response to Global Norms: Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework and Local Integration of Refugees in the Gambella Regional State, Ethiopia
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Date
2022-12
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research investigates how implementation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response
Framework (CRRF), a global norm on refugees was understood and experienced in the Gambella
Regional State of Ethiopia. The inquiry focuses on the local response, manifested in different
cover and overt ways. This paper found that CRRF which is framed as a humanitarian development nexus is rather a humanitarian-development-security nexus. Since its launch in
2018 in Gambella regional state, CRRF faced resistance from the Anuak indigenous ethnic
group. Gambella is home for diverse ethnic groups from various parts of Ethiopia but only five
are acknowledged as indigenous to the land. In 2019 following the amendment of the refugee
policy, Anuak group activists attempts for public display of anger and protest was quickly
muffled by the government of Ethiopia, as well as their attempts to approach relevant actors in
UNHCR to express their concern on the matter. Four years forward, in 2022, Gambella continues
to be the most challenging refugee hosting region in Ethiopia to implement CRRF. Considering
the geographic location of the region, the historic relations with neighboring Sudan and South
Sudan, the state relation and interest with the international community and federal-regional
government relations, it is crucial to study what CRRF implies at various level; international,
regional, national, and local levels. The research undertakes a qualitative research method to
gather most recent data in Gambella region and thoroughly assesses available secondary data on
forced displacement, policy, and media outlets as well as various academic literatures related to
the subject to provide up-to- date analysis on the topic of research.