Housing, land & property

Ethiopian laws prohibit discrimination in housing access, ensuring equal treatment for refugees and nationals. The Constitution guarantees equality before the law, while the Refugee Proclamation extends non-discrimination provisions to refugees, ensuring they enjoy housing rights without bias. The Constitution defines private property extensively, focusing on citizens but implying broader property rights that could include housing. The state is obligated to allocate resources for public services, indirectly addressing housing needs. The Refugee Proclamation grants refugees favorable treatment concerning property acquisition and leases. However, the Civil Code restricts foreigners, including refugees, from owning immovable property, highlighting a discrepancy between national laws and refugee rights.

National policies on housing development and urban planning, such as the Urban Development Policy and the Urban Housing Strategy, primarily target Ethiopian citizens but also benefit refugees. These policies aim to improve living conditions through infrastructure development and housing provision. The National Shelter Strategy, developed by the Refugees and Returnees Services (RRS) and UNHCR, specifically addresses refugees' housing needs, providing solutions that ensure privacy, security, and dignity, aligning with international standards.

Ethiopian laws permit refugees to bring their property and assets into the country upon admission and take them upon repatriation or relocation. This includes the right to repatriate investment assets, ensuring that refugees can manage their property effectively during their stay and upon departure.

Refugees can seek judicial or administrative remedies if denied adequate housing. They have the same rights as nationals to bring justiciable matters to court or other competent bodies, ensuring access to justice. The Refugees Proclamation and relevant directives provide mechanisms for appealing decisions and lodging complaints regarding housing rights.

Despite these protections, practical challenges persist. The Civil Code's restriction on foreign ownership of immovable property limits refugees' ability to secure permanent housing. The Urban Development Policy and Urban Housing Strategy, while beneficial, primarily focus on citizens, and refugees may face difficulties in accessing housing due to resource constraints and administrative barriers.