Ethiopia and Norway signed an agreement in Addis Ababa concerning the voluntary return of rejected asylum seekers in Norway on January 26th.  The agreement was the result of a long process of negotiations that has been going on for nearly a decade.

Since the agreement was signed there have been a number of rumours about the agreement and misinformation disseminated particularly in the Diaspora and among those in Norway in regard to what was agreed between the two parties.

Certain pronouncements and press statements given to the Norwegian media by various agencies, including those who derive their livelihood from “defending the rights of asylum seekers” have contributed to the confusion.

It has become necessary to provide the accurate facts for those concerned about the agreement and others who profess to be doubtful about the principles and intentions of the Ethiopian government in entering into this agreement. 

The main elements or principles of the agreement are that:                                                  

1. 1. The signed Memorandum of Understanding lays down the basis for a closely coordinated, phased, dignified and humane process of assisted return for Ethiopian nationals residing in Norway. This is primarily in respect to voluntary return and to the importance of a safe and dignified return and sustainable re-integration into their communities in Ethiopia.

2. 2. The agreement is to be applied only in respect to Ethiopian nationals whose nationality is ascertained by the competent Ethiopian authorities, who have been staying temporarily in Norway and whose request for refugee status or a residence permit has been properly considered, but rejected through due process of law in Norway, and those who may opt for voluntary return to Ethiopia after a final negative decision by the competent Norwegian authorities on their asylum claims.

3.    3. The agreement can also be applied to those rejected asylum seekers who have no protection or compelling humanitarian needs to justify prolongation of their stay in Norway, but who nevertheless continue to refuse to avail themselves of the option of voluntary return and who may be ordered to leave Norway as an  option of last resort.

In other words, this agreement bears no relationship to the way rumour and misinformation has construed it. This is an agreement entered into by the Ethiopian government and Norway to allow for the return of rejected asylum seekers from Norway, primarily on the basis of voluntary decisions by returnees and not by forced departure. In fact, it paves the way for a safe, dignified, phased and humane assisted return process, operating essentially on a voluntary basis.

Source: A Week in the Horn of Africa – Feb. 03, 2012

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