THE HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN ETHIOPIA; EXAMINING THE INTERNATIONAL, REGIONAL AND ETHIOPIAN NORMATIVE FRAMEWORKS

Abstract

Internal displacement is one wave of forced migration in which individuals are displaced from their place and become refugees within the territory of their own country. International and national normative frameworks are decisive to protect Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Internal displacement is one of the challenges Ethiopia has faced at different times and remained pervasive throughout the country. The government has attempted to respond and address the plights of the IDPs; however, the number of IDPs increased from time to time with dared living conditions. This study has employed qualitative research methodology and examined the normative frameworks and the human rights protection of IDPs in Ethiopia. The research has identified that there is a lack of comprehensive normative frameworks in the country. The 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution and other subsidiary laws gave slight attention to IDPs. Ethiopia ratified the Kampala Convention in 2020 with different reservations and declarations but has not been domesticated yet. Such a stalemate has disrupted the response process and the durable solution of the IDPs. Therefore, it is time for Ethiopia to revisit its normative frameworks and protect the human rights of IDPs