Date of publication:

03/27/2025

Ethiopia

Do domestic laws and policies guarantee physical security?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Assessment by population
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Domestic laws and policies in Ethiopia demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the physical security of persons, including refugees, within the country. Article 16 of the Constitution guarantees everyone the right to protection against bodily harm. This constitutional provision establishes a fundamental right to physical security for all individuals within Ethiopia's borders, regardless of their nationality or status.

The Refugee and Returnees Service (RRS) ensures that refugee camps are located at a reasonable and safe distance from border areas and conflict zones. This proactive measure helps mitigate the risk of harm to refugees by ensuring they are not situated in areas prone to violence or insecurity. The RRS monitors detention centers, including police cells and prisons, to ensure that asylum-seekers and refugees are not unlawfully detained. This oversight helps protect the physical security and rights of individuals who may be vulnerable to abuse or mistreatment while in custody. As per Article 28(2) of the Refugees Proclamation, the RRS may arrange places or areas for refugees to live, ensuring that these locations are located at a reasonable distance from the borders of their country of origin or former habitual residence. This measure contributes to the physical security of refugees by providing them with safe living environments.

 In addition, article 553(1) of the Ethiopian Criminal Code establishes penalties for individuals who cause bodily injury to others intentionally or through negligence. This legal provision reinforces the state's commitment to safeguarding individuals from physical harm and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

In conclusion, Ethiopia's domestic laws and policies demonstrate a comprehensive approach to ensuring the physical security of all persons within its borders, including refugees. Through constitutional protections, proactive measures such as the location of refugee camps, monitoring of detention centers, arrangement of safe living spaces for refugees, and legal provisions against bodily harm.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Constitution of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE)
    • Year: 1995
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
    • Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/1995/en/18206

    Legal provision

    Article 16 - The Right of the Security of Person

    Every one has the right to protection against bodily harm.

    Refugees Proclamation No.1110/2019

    Legal provision

    Article 28(2) - Freedom of Movement

    Notwithstanding to the provisions of Sub Article (1) of this Article, the Agency may arrange places or areas within which refugee and asylum-seekers may live. The arranged residence place shall be located at a reasonable distance from the border of the country of origin or former habitual residence of the recognized refugees and asylum-seekers.

    Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 2004, Proclamation No. 414/2004

    Legal provision

    Article 553(1) - Intentional injury or negligence

    Whoever intentionally or by negligence causes bodily injury to another or impairs his health, by whatever means or in any manner, is punishable in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. These provisions embrace all manner of bodily assaults, blows, wounds, maiming, injuries or harm, and all damage to the physical or mental health of an individual.