Overview
Since the 1998-2000 border conflict during which both Ethiopia and Eritrea deported thousands of individuals to the other country, relations have remained bitter, with both sides stationing troops along the border. In addition, political and religious persecution has compelled citizens from both countries to seek refuge in the region and around the world. While Ethiopia has welcomed refugees from Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea, Ethiopians of Eritrean origin living in Ethiopian society continue to face marginalization.

Current Humanitarian Situation
During the border conflict, Ethiopia denationalized citizens of Eritrean origin and deported an estimated 75,000 individuals. For many years, Eritreans living in Ethiopia faced restrictions on work, travel, education, and access to social services. Since 2003, many, perhaps most, Eritreans who remain in Ethiopia have been able to reacquire citizenship. However, Eritreans with Ethiopian citizenship still report feeling compelled to hide their background, even among close friends. As a result, they rarely congregate as a community, nor are they politically involved.

Direct travel between Eritrea and Ethiopia is prohibited, and there is no interstate phone system. Some Ethiopians have reportedly been jailed for communicating with loved ones in Eritrea via the internet. Family separation has exacted a considerable personal and psychological toll, as families ripped apart during the border conflict are still unable to reunite.

Shimelba Camp, along the Eritrean border, has nearly reached its 18,000 person capacity and residents there identify insufficient food rations, restricted mobility, presence of Eritrean opposition groups, and limited access to education and mental health services as their primary concerns. UNHCR and the Ethiopian Administration for Refugee/Returnee Affairs (ARRA) continue to grapple with these issues. In the meantime, refugees continue to struggle to work and support themselves.

Actions Needed
Ethiopia, Sudan, and Kenya should retain open borders and take steps to increase protection as well as to ensure full freedom of movement and access to durable solutions for all refugees in the region. Ethiopia should promote full integration and equity in employment for persons of Eritrean origin and ensure effective access to documents supporting an individual’s chosen nationality.  In addition, Ethiopia and Eritrea should reunite families by re-establishing interstate travel and communications.