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Child Protection Briefing Note - JRS Ethiopia – Addis Ababa Child Protection Programme - August 2018

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Ethiopia
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JRS
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Overview Refugee Children in Addis Ababa

As of August 2018 a total of 22’802 refugees reside in Addis Ababa, mostly from Eritrea, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan and the Great Lakes region. Of the total urban refugee population 7698 (34%) are children. 868 are unaccompanied and separated (377 UAC, 491 SC). Whereas 18’981 refugees are residing in Addis under the Out of Camp Policy, 3821 refugees are urban assisted due to their medical, protection or humanitarian needs and receiving financial assistance from UNHCR and partners.

Main child protection concerns in Addis Ababa

  • Unaccompanied and separated children (UASC) & onward movement: Unaccompanied children and youth are most prone to irregular onward movement which exposes them to risk of human trafficking, exploitation and physical harm
  • Increased protection risks in an urban setting: High influx of refugee children into Addis Ababa who seek better opportunities while having limited capabilities to support their stay at Addis are at increased risk of violence, abuse and exploitation
  • Alternative care for UASC: Significant numbers of UASC do not live in adequate care arrangements. UNHCR and JRS strategically promote family-based care, providing UASC with the chance to grow-up in a protective family environment. Particularly in the urban context, refugee community faces barriers to foster UASC as a result of high cost of living, coupled with limited livelihood options
  • Out of school: A high number of children are out of school, mainly Eritreans with a limited interest to continue their formal education
  • Urban realities: Limited community support, outreach & access to information: As refugees live scattered across Addis Ababa, the scope of community support networks is limited. Many unaccompanied refugee children are “invisible” and have limited access to information and community support