Protection Cluster Ethiopia: Monthly Protection Overview – September 2022

Attacks on Civilians

• Northern Ethiopia: During the month of September 2022, armed clashes continued and/or intensified in several areas of Tigray bordering Sudan, Eritrea, Amhara (North-West Gondar) and Tigray’s North-Western zone. Airstrikes were also reported in Mekelle, South Tigray, Shire and Sheraro, Dedebit and May-Tsebri.
• Amhara: Police in Debre Birhan were accused of mistreating and beating IDPs in China site following a violent protest in the town in which the IDPs participated. Two IDPs at Jarri Turkish site were also shot and injured while trying to escape from the camp by defying off-camp movement restrictions imposed by the Federal Police. Through OHCHR’s advocacy, 44 refugees who were arbitrarily arrested and detained by the police in Dabat, Gondar were released. The OHCHR also visited 24 IDPs arrested by police in Debre Birhan for their alleged participation in a violent protest that took place in the town on 11 August.
• Gambella: No attacks on civilians were reported during the month of September 2022 in Gambella region, however, the movement of Gambella Liberation Front/Oromo Liberation Front in Oromia areas bordering Gambella region is still perceived as a threat to the security situation in the area.
• BGRS: clashes were reported in Keshamando Woreda and Kondola Woreda (Assosa zone) affecting an estimated 6,000 individuals who traveled for safety to Bambasi and were temporarily hosted in the Bambasi Secondary School. These IDPs were returned by the military to their areas of origin, as the woredas were able to regain control of their territory. Sporadic attacks have been registered in Qedo, Dibate woreda and in Edida, Mandura woreda in Benishangul Gumuz Region.
• Oromia: During the reporting period, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Security Forces have continued to pose a security threat to the inhabitants of Wollega and Guji. During the month of August 2022, OHCHR found that 36 people were killed as a result of inter-communal conflict and attacks by a rebel group. 23 men were killed by OLA-Shene in Bosset woreda, Oromia region, while 5 others were killed because of inter-clan conflict in Tuliguleg woreda, Somali region.

Takeaways

• Limited resources and limited protection partner presence (in Tigray, Oromia, Gambella, Somali, MA activities) remain an obstacle to reach the most vulnerable with protection services.
• Food insecurity is a major concern and cause of protection risks across the country (conflict, flood and drought-affected areas)
• Advocacy on freedom of movement for IDPs is necessary, as movement limitations are reported in IDP sites, and triggered serious incidents during the month (e.g. incidents in China site and Jarri Turkish site reported by UNHCR)
• Attention/advocacy necessary about the respect of the humanitarian character of IDP sites (e.g. Turkish and Awash Shabat sites, former police training sites)
• Attention to new displacements and IDPs needs within Tigray and between Tigray, Amhara and Afar.
• Concerning Northern Ethiopia, access to humanitarian aid remains limited, while several displacement movements have been registered during the month, following the intensification of clashes. Access for actors, goods and services has been limited, increasing the needs in the already dire situation. NPC and partners need to keep the attention of the humanitarian community on the protection needs and gaps. Some assessments have been conducted in new displacement areas and sites to fine-tune the response and continue advocacy. Gaps were identified in core relief items distribution, access to food and drinking water and health services.
• In Oromia region, while clashes among OLA and security forces remain a protection concern, the limited presence of protection partners is identified as a relevant gap for service provision.
• Drought response to be scaled up. Need to better focus and communicate about protection response for drought-affected beneficiaries. Coordination with non-protection actors is recommended.
• Attention to increasing GBV and CP risks in flood-affected areas.

Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees