Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — As of December 2025, Ethiopia is hosting an estimated 1. 12 million refugees and asylum-seekers, primarily from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan. This figure includes increasing numbers of Ethiopian returnees fleeing conflict in neighboring countries.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees reports that the country faces sustained humanitarian pressures due to continued arrivals from Sudan, increased arrivals from South Sudan into Gambella, and new arrivals from Somalia. Despite these challenges, Ethiopia has maintained its open-door asylum policy and is committed to the progressive commitments outlined in the 2019 Refugee Proclamation and the Global Refugee Forums.
In 2026, the interagency response plan will support 1,213,385 refugees and asylum-seekers, 29,116 returnees, and 439,226 host community members. The plan, guided by the Government of Ethiopia and the draft Makatet roadmap, aims to strengthen national systems while addressing urgent needs. Progress has been made in advancing refugee inclusion in national services, including education, health, digital identity systems, and financial systems.
However, significant pressures persist, including reduced food rations, deteriorating shelter conditions, overstretched water systems, and limited access to essential health and nutrition services. Funding constraints have also led to rising protection risks, such as child protection concerns, gender-based violence, movement-related risks, and barriers to documentation.
The 2026 Country Refugee Response Plan (CRRP) sets out a coordinated, multisectoral plan to balance immediate humanitarian needs with long-term pathways toward inclusion and self-reliance. Priorities include safeguarding access to asylum and documentation, strengthening child protection and GBV response, sustaining education and health services, improving WASH and shelter systems, and expanding clean energy and climate-resilient solutions.
The response is coordinated through the Refugee Coordination Model, co — led by the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and UNHCR, involving 38 partners and refugee-led organizations. The plan requires USD 577.8 million in 2026 to sustain essential services, reinforce national capacities, and promote stability, resilience, and opportunity for 1.68 million people.
Continued international support is crucial for preserving Ethiopia’s protection space and enabling refugees and host communities to thrive.
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
