In 2017, Ethiopia initiated a policy shift aimed at phasing out the purely camp-based approach to refugee response in the country. Following this decision, the country has become one of the implementing countries of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF), a comprehensive set of commitments that provides the framework for a lasting alternative to the protracted stay of refugees in the refugee camps. This framework aims to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including regional and district governments, through a whole-of-society approach.

However, the issues of local participation and involving the voices of local actors in shaping efforts to find more predictable and inclusive solutions to the protracted plight of refugees have been the subject of recent academic and political debates. The Tigray war has complicated the matter even further. At this roundtable, we seek to present the views of various stakeholders on how regional and county governments (the second and third tiers of government in Ethiopia) could become agents of change in efforts to implement a comprehensive refugee response framework. By analysing the mechanisms for adapting the implementation of CRRF to local contexts in Ethiopia, we will contribute to the discussions on the main challenges and lessons that could be learned from the current CRRF implementation.

The roundtable brings together researchers and practitioners active in Ethiopia and beyond. It is planned as a 90-minute event and draws in particular on the examples of the Gambella and Somali regional states of Ethiopia. The event features inputs from experts representing the four co-organising institutes, Gambella University, Jijiga University, the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and the DeZIM Institute, and the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS). After the short inputs and brief comment all participants are invited to actively engage in the debate.

The event starts at 14:00h CET / 15:00h EAT.

Opening:
Dr Jörn Grävingholt (IDOS)

Presentation:
Dr Gizachew Teshome (Gambella University)   
Abdirahman Ahmed (Jigjiga University)

Comment:
Mehreteab G Ghebregergs (ReDSS)

Wrap up:
Dr Ramona Rischke (DeZIM)

The event is moderated by Samuel Zewdie Hagos (DeZIM)

If you wish to participate, please register until 17 February 2023 at:

https://www.teilnehmermanagement.die-gdi.de/crrf-in-ethiopia/

This event is a joint activity of DeZIM Institute, Gambella University, the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) and Jigjiga University. It is supported by FFVT project (“Forced Migration and Refugee Studies: Networking and Knowledge Transfer”).