Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Ethiopia
Do domestic laws and policies provide the right to family life and protect family unity for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The domestic laws and policies have ensured that family members stay together during the asylum process, emphasizing the importance of family unity. According to article 14(1) of the Refugees Proclamation, a family member of an asylum-seeker shall be permitted to enter and remain in Ethiopia until their case is finally decided. Also, as per article 14(3), a family member of an asylum seeker shall be entitled to all the rights and be subject to the duties of the asylum seeker. Furthermore, article 15 (5) of the Refugee Proclamation reinforces the principle of family unity by deeming an application for refugee status made on behalf of one family member as made on behalf of all members of the family, unless individual members choose to submit separate applications.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Refugees Proclamation No.1110/2019
- Year: 2019
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Freedom of movement, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Family life, Documentation
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/decreees/natlegbod/2019/en/30352
Legal provision
Article 14(3) - Unity of the family
A family member of an asylum seeker or recognized refugee in Ethiopia shall be entitled to all the rights and be subject to the duties of the refugee or asylum-seeker. Article 14(3) of the Refugees Proclamation.
Article 14(1) - Unity of the family
A family member of an asylum-seeker, as provided for in this Proclamation, shall be permitted to enter and remain in Ethiopia until his case is finally decided.
Article 15(5) - Application for recognition of refugee status
An application for refugee status made in accordance with Sub-Article (1) of this Article is deemed to have been made on behalf of all members of the family of the applicant except where individual members of the family choose to submit behalf separate application. An unaccompanied or separated child may, individually, or through his guardian, lodge an application for refugee status.