In 1991 there were 527,000 Somali refugees in Ethiopia (UNHCR 1993, 149). In 1992, the number had fallen to 406,000 (ibid.). According to a representative of the UNHCR in Ottawa, 205,000 Somalis currently live in UNHCR-run refugee camps in Ethiopia (31 May 1994). There are an additional 50,000 Somali refugees living in urban areas of the country (UNHCR 21 Mar. 1994).

The majority of Somali refugees in Ethiopia came from northwestern Somalia (ibid.). Many belong to the Issak ethnic group and have urban backgrounds (ibid.). The UNHCR representative in Ottawa stated that the main influx of Somali refugees occurred in 1988 and 1989, and that large-scale self-repatriation began in 1990 and 1991 (31 May 1994).

The representative stated that Ethiopia accepted Somali refugees under both the Geneva and OAU refugee conventions, but that most were accepted under the broader OAU definition (ibid.). She said that Ethiopia still accommodates new Somali refugees, but that major influxes are not expected in the near future (ibid.).

The representative said that the government of Ethiopia does not issue identity papers to Somali refugees and that travel documents are only issued if a refugee is being resettled in a third country (ibid.). She added that Somali refugees are not granted the right to work in Ethiopia, but many are engaged in economic activities within the camps (ibid.).

The representative stated that Somali refugees in Ethiopia are issued UNHCR registration cards which entitle them to UNHCR medical, food and primary educational services (ibid.).

For additional information on Somali refugees in Ethiopia, please refer to the attached documents.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 21 March 1994. Electronic cable received by DIRB.

. 1993. The State of the World's Refugees 1993: The Challenge of Protection. 1993. London: Penguin Books.

, Ottawa. 31 May 1994. Telephone interview with representative.

Japan Economic Newswire. 1 April 1993. "Fraud Rife in Ethiopian Camps for Northern Somalis." (NEXIS)

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 21 March 1994. Electronic cable received by DIRB.

. 1993. The State of the World's Refugees 1993: The Challenge of Protection. 1993. London: Penguin Books, p. 149.

UN Chronicle. September 1993. "UNOSOM II Takes 'Decisive Action' to Restore Peace." (NEXIS)