Date of publication:

01/08/2026

Ethiopia

Do domestic laws and policies establish measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence committed against forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

Domestic laws and policies in Ethiopia demonstrate a clear commitment to preventing, mitigating the risk of, and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking in persons in refugee hosting areas.

 Article 38(1) and (2) of the Refugees Proclamation mandates the Refugee and Returnees Service (RRS) to ensure that recognized refugee and asylum-seeker women and children enjoy rights and protections enshrined under relevant laws. Specific measures are to be taken to protect women from gender-based violence and children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking. Ethiopian criminal law, as outlined in the Criminal Code, criminalizes various forms of GBV, including rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, and female genital mutilation. Provisions such as article 565 (rape) and article 564 (sexual assault) provide for penalties for perpetrators of GBV.

 Refugees and asylum-seekers, including women and children, have equal access to shelter services provided by the Network of Women Shelters across the country. The National Standard Operating Procedures for Shelter Services ensure that female refugees and asylum seekers are considered equal beneficiaries. These shelters provide various services, including accommodation, counseling, health support, skills training, and family reunification. The RRS is included as a stakeholder in the National Strategy on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) in Ethiopia, 2021 – 2026. This strategy, currently in the final stage of revision, underscores the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing GBV and trafficking in persons, including in refugee hosting areas.

 The Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Persons Proclamation No. 1178/2020 mandates that victims of trafficking receive necessary protection and support. Special consideration is given to the vulnerability and special needs of women, children, persons with mental health issues, and disabilities. Overall, Ethiopia's domestic laws and policies demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing GBV and trafficking in persons in refugee hosting areas. These measures prioritize the protection and well-being of vulnerable individuals, including women and children, and underscore the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in preventing and responding to these crimes.Top of Form

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

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

    Legal provision

    Article 564.- Violence Against a Marriage Partner or a Person Cohabiting in an Irregular Union.

    The relevant provision of this Code (Arts. 555 - 560) shall apply to a person who, by doing violence to a marriage partner or a person cohabiting in an irregular union, causes grave or common injury to his /her physical or mental health

    Article 565.- Female Circumcision.

    Whoever circumcises a woman of any age, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, or fine not less than five hundred Birr.

    Prevention and Suppression of Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Persons, Proclamation No. 1178/2020

    Legal provision

    Article 24 1) a) Protection and Rehabilitation of Victims

    Victims shall:- a) receive the necessary protection and support; the protection and support accorded shall be in consideration of the victims situation, particularly shall take in to account the vulnerability and special needs of women, children, person with mental problem and disabilities.