Information concerning freedom of movement in order to take up residence or employment in different areas of the country and whether any permissions or clearances must be obtained is scarce among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. Country Reports 1997 states that freedom of movement is recognized in the Constitution and is generally respected within Ethiopia (1998).

Some restriction of freedom of movement has arisen as a consequence of the border conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Two reports carried by the Africa News Service state that restrictions have been placed on Eritreans within Ethiopia, among other measures that have also included detention and deportation (23 Dec. 1998; 15 Sept. 1998). While one of the reports does not indicate whether the Eritreans being subject to these restrictions were Ethiopian citizens (23 Dec. 1998), the other report states that the deported Eritreans had lived in Ethiopia for years and were Ethiopians (15 Sept. 1998).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Response.

Africa News Service. 23 December 1998. "Eritrean News Agency Daily Update." (NEXIS)

_____. 15 September 1998. "Ethiopia; Friends and Enemies." (NEXIS)

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1997. 30 January 1998. United States Department of State. Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office.

Ethiopian Human Rights Council [Addis Ababa]. Special Reports. December 1997 - December 1998.

Ethiopian Register [Minnesota]. 1997 - 1999.

Ethiopian Review [Los Angeles]. 1997.

Horn of Africa Bulletin [Upsala]. 1997-1998.

Indian Ocean Newsletter [Paris]. 1997-1999.

Resource Centre country file on Ethiopia. 1997 - 1998.

Electronic Sources: IRB Databases, REFWORLD, LEXIS/NEXIS, WNC, Internet.

Unsuccessful attempts to contact an oral source.