Mercy Fekadu (PhD)Mahider Workneh2025-04-012025-04-012022-12https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/5248This 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.en-USThesis