Forced Returns and Secondary Displacement of IDPs from Debre Birhan – Situation Update   

By George

Background:

Since February 2024, the government has conducted three rounds of forced returns involving approximately 2,745 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Debre Birhan to areas in West Shoa and the Wollega zones. These return operations have not adhered to international standards for safe, voluntary, and dignified return.

Current  Situation:

A significant number of returnees have experienced secondary displacement due to ongoing insecurity in the return areas. Many have since made their way back to Debre Birhan, citing continuous hostilities and the absence of basic services and security in their places of origin.

According to one source among the returnees, over 360 individuals—mostly children, women, and the elderly—remain in extremely precarious conditions. These individuals were forcefully relocated from Debre Birhan to Awdi Gulfa Kebele in Dano Woreda, West Shoa Zone (Oromia Region). However, due to persistent insecurity in the area, they have since been displaced again and are currently sheltering in Dano Woreda.

Despite repeated reports highlighting their dire conditions, the government and humanitarian partners have not given adequate attention to the plight of these returnees. As a result, urgent life-saving assistance and support of protection have not been provided to this highly vulnerable group.

Recommendations:

1. The government to immediately provide food, shelter and clothing to address the urgent needs of returnees.
2. Engagement with government authorities is critical to halt involuntary returns and ensure adherence to protection principles.
3. Joint assessment missions by relevant UN agencies and humanitarian partners should be conducted to verify the situation and provide targeted assistance.
4. Humanitarian partners are urged to prioritize and respond to the needs of these returnees without further delay.
   
   

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