Strengthening Displacement-Affected Communities’ Participation in Ethiopia’s Somali Region

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In a significant step toward inclusive solutions for displacement-affected communities, the Regional Durable Solutions Secretariat (ReDSS) recently hosted a crucial consultation workshop in Ethiopia’s Somali region. The event, held at the Royal International Hotel on October 10th, 2024, brought together diverse stakeholders from the Kebrebeyah district, home to some of the world’s most protracted refugee situations.

Bringing Everyone to the Table

The workshop saw meaningful participation from 22 community members – 12 DAC (Displacement Affected Community) representatives and 10 representatives from the UN, government, and INGOs –   with 16 men and 6 women representing internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities, and refugees. This gathering was particularly timely, coinciding with renewed momentum around the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) initiatives, including the Kebrebeyah inclusion road map and, the Bokh and Melkadida compact.

Key humanitarian organizations including UNHCR, IOM, Norwegian Refugee Council, Danish Refugee Council, Mercy Corps, and Inkomoko joined forces with the Somali Regional State (SRS) and Refugees and Returnee Services (RRS) to support this vital dialogue.

The Missing Link: Community Participation in Decision-Making

A recurring theme throughout the consultation was the limited involvement of displacement-affected communities in decision-making processes. As one participant poignantly noted, “Our invitation in the solution process is very rare, and most often we only hear about changes and policy progress after conferences and seminars.” This observation highlights a critical gap between policy implementation and community engagement.

The consultation revealed that while communities are often involved at the activity level, they rarely participate in strategic planning and broader initiative development. This disconnect poses a significant challenge to creating sustainable solutions that truly address community needs.

Challenging Preconceptions: Recognizing Community Capacities

One of the most striking insights from the workshop was the need to shift away from viewing displaced communities merely as aid recipients. Participants emphasized the wealth of untapped potential within their communities – from indigenous knowledge and practical skills to human capital and local resources. However, opportunities to showcase and utilize these talents remain severely limited, with most discussions still centered around aid delivery.

Progress Through Partnership: CRRF Initiatives in Action

The consultation highlighted several successful projects under the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework that have positively impacted communities in Kebrebeyah. These include urban Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP), and various initiatives focusing on financial inclusion, skills development, and basic infrastructure improvements.

However, participants acknowledged that despite these achievements, significant challenges persist. The community faces high youth unemployment across all groups – IDPs, refugees, and host communities alike. Limited livelihood opportunities, uncertain land tenure rights, and strained basic services continue to affect daily life. For refugees specifically, the slow pace of resettlement opportunities remains a concern, while IDPs struggle with documentation issues.

Charting the Path Forward

The consultation workshop made it clear that the path to sustainable solutions requires a fundamental shift in how we engage with displacement-affected communities. Moving forward, there’s a pressing need to ensure these communities have a seat at the table during high-level policy discussions and are actively involved in all stages of project planning and implementation.

The success of initiatives like the Kebrebeyah inclusion road map will depend on continued broad consultation with all affected communities. By recognizing and utilizing community capacities, strengthening local authority engagement, and creating area-based economic opportunities, we can work toward more effective and sustainable solutions.

As we move forward, this consultation serves as a reminder that meaningful community participation isn’t just about checking boxes – it’s about recognizing the wisdom, agency, and potential within displacement-affected communities and ensuring they are true partners in shaping their own futures.

About the author
Picture of Guled Ali

Guled Ali

Guled is the ReDSS Durable Solutions Specialist based in Jigjiga, Somali Region of Ethiopia. He is a seasoned Forced Displacement and Durable Solutions Specialist with over 9 years of experience. He leverages his expertise in protection and humanitarian crises to champion sustainable solutions for displaced populations across East Africa and Great Lakes. Guled's in-depth understanding of displacement complexities, honed through field experience, allows him to effectively support programs that address the needs of affected communities.
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