Journal of Political Sciences & Public Affairs
Open Access

Abstract

Challenges and Prospects of Implementing the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in Ethiopia: A Case Study on Refugee camps in Gambella

Kalayu Equar*, Tesfay Gebreyohans, Netsanet Syuom

This study has explored the challenges and prospects of the implementation of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) in Ethiopia: A case study of refugee camps in Gambella. To this end, the researcher employed a qualitative research methodology and used different techniques to collect the required data, such as focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and unstructured interviews. Informants were selected through purposive, convincing and snowballing and were taken to enrich the empirical data from Gambella regional and local authorities, refugee residences and NGOs. On top of this, secondary data were also collected from various published journals and institutional documents related to the implementation of CRRF and the practice of the new refugee law or policy. Likewise, thematic data analysis, content analysis and qualitative analysis strategies have been employed in this study. The findings of the study show that the implementation of CRRF in Gambella refugee camps is almost aborted because of the numerous constraints. A lack of knowledge about the new refugee approach/CRRF among government institutions, service provider institutions and local authorities is one of the notable challenges that the research boldly explored. Other challenges include a lack of coordination and commitment among stakeholders to push the implementation process, a lack of financial resources to operationalize and a lack of stability and civil war in the nation, which may force the government to prioritize domestic issues over the implementation of the CRRF and improve the effectiveness of the new refugee law. Hence, inclusive participation and a whole-of-society approach require bringing together diverse stakeholders and building a shared understanding. Moreover, leadership and political commitment from the highest levels of government, openness to policy reform and international and multilateral agencies’ commitment to new ways of working all contribute to a contextually appropriate realization of CRRF.

Published Date: 2025-03-10; Received Date: 2024-02-12