An estimated 4.4 million individuals are displaced within various regions of Ethiopia, particularly in areas like Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Afar, and Benshangul Gumuz. However , approximately 8,000 individuals from this displaced population received a pilot Digital ID.

To mitigate this issue, a pilot initiative in collaboration with humanitarian organizations has been launched to register and provide identification to these vulnerable populations. Despite this effort, the number of displaced individuals who have received digital IDs remains relatively low.

Gebrela Abraham, Policy Advisor of the National ID program, highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating that around 8,000 displaced individuals in West Wolega have been successfully registered and provided with IDs. However, she acknowledged that more work needs to be done to address the broader issue of providing digital IDs to internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country.

Since the nationwide introduction of the national identification program, approximately 3.8 million people have been registered. Registration centers are operational at nine banks and 69 branches in Addis Ababa, as well as at revenue offices and document registration and verification services throughout Ethiopia.

Efforts are underway in collaboration with UNICEF and WFP to trial the creation of digital identity cards, known as “Fayda” cards, equipped with a unique 12-digit identification number for displaced populations. Biometric technology is being utilized to enhance the accuracy and security of the identification process.

In addition to addressing the needs of IDPs, the Ethiopian government, in partnership with UNHCR, is extending digital identification services to refugees and asylum seekers in the country. This initiative aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their displacement status, have access to essential services and support.

However, challenges persist, as many refugees and returnees displaced by drought and conflict struggle to obtain the necessary identification documents to access basic services. It is crucial that identification systems are effectively utilized to verify individuals’ identities and facilitate their access to vital services.

The comprehensive digital identification program, supported by a $350 million investment from the World Bank, is expected to enroll 90 million people by 2028. Through continued collaboration and innovation, Ethiopia seeks to bridge the digital ID gap and provide equitable access to essential services for all its citizens, including those displaced within its borders.

Ethiopian Airlines has unveiled plans to initiate the construction of Africa’s largest airport, a monumental project estimated to cost USD 7.8 billion. This ambitious endeavor marks a significant milestone for the national carrier as it ventures into the realm of infrastructure development.

Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, disclosed that extensive research and deliberation have culminated in the commencement of this groundbreaking initiative, named the “Mega Airport City.” Mesfin emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Oromia region and the federal government to facilitate the project, aiming to uplift local communities and create employment opportunities for farmers in the area.

Spanning across 35 square kilometers in the picturesque locale of Obosirraa, near Bishoftu city in the Oromia region, the expansive airport city is set to redefine air travel infrastructure in Africa. The grand design includes provisions for 300 aircraft parking spaces and four air runways, poised to accommodate the burgeoning demand for air travel.

Notably, the existing terminal, operating at full capacity, can cater to approximately 25 million passengers. However, with the advent of the new airport, passenger capacity is projected to quadruple, ensuring enhanced operational efficiency and seamless travel experiences for millions of passengers annually.

The construction timeline spans five years, divided into two distinct phases, with meticulous planning to ensure optimal utilization of resources and adherence to stringent quality standards. Additionally, plans are underway to construct an expressway linking the airport city to the bustling Bole International Airport, facilitating seamless connectivity and streamlined logistics.

With passenger numbers steadily on the rise, Ethiopian Airlines recognizes the imperative of expanding infrastructure to meet growing demands. The new airport complex is envisioned to feature state-of-the-art amenities, including modern hotels, duty-free shopping zones, and a cutting-edge cargo logistics center, further bolstering Ethiopia’s position as a key aviation hub in Africa.

Initiated in 2019, the project has progressed significantly, with land acquisition and feasibility studies completed, paving the way for the commencement of construction. Ethiopian Airlines, with over seven decades of illustrious service, remains at the forefront of Africa’s aviation sector, with robust growth projections and a steadfast commitment to excellence in air travel services.

In a report released on March 22, 2024, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission unveiled the findings of the National Inquiry into persons deprived of liberty, shedding light on widespread human rights violations in the country. The inquiry, the first of its kind in Ethiopia, investigated the patterns of rights abuses associated with deprivation of liberty in four regions, namely Adama, Bahir Dar, Jigjiga, and Hawassa.

The National Inquiry, conducted through public hearings in the selected cities, aimed to raise awareness and draw attention to pressing human rights issues while identifying the underlying causes and patterns of violations related to deprivation of liberty. The report emphasized the significance of such inquiries in addressing systemic violations and educating stakeholders and the broader community.

During the public hearings, a total of 365 individuals participated, including victims, witnesses, government authorities from the criminal justice sector, civil society organizations, academia, and the general public. The diverse perspectives shared during these sessions provided critical insights into the challenges and experiences faced by those deprived of their liberty.

The report highlighted that the majority of violations occurred in specific contexts, such as conflicts, states of emergency, and inappropriate responses to popular demands, including those related to issues of self-administration. The recommendations put forth in the report aim to address these violations comprehensively and encompass a range of measures, including legislative, administrative, judicial, financial, and educational actions.

The Ethiopian government, both at the federal and regional levels, has been urged to take immediate and concerted action to implement the recommended reforms. The scale of these corrective measures necessitates the active involvement of diverse stakeholders, beyond the state, including civil society organizations, academia, media, and human rights workers.

The release of this report marks a critical juncture for Ethiopia as it confronts its human rights challenges head-on. The findings serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for systematic reforms and a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals in the country. It is hoped that the Ethiopian government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, will take swift action to address the violations outlined in the report and ensure a more just and rights-respecting society for all its citizens.