Photo Credit: Refugees International
04/24/2008

Challenges for Shimelba Camp residents include an insufficient quantity of food rations, especially for the young males. Other interviewees reported their frustration at the lack of freedom of movement as well as being unable to work and support themselves and their families. Malaria is a persistent problem. Individuals desire to learn more about their rights as refugees and highlight the need to consider how the host community has borne the costs of accommodating refugees.

Some individuals in the camp are not only refugees but are effectively stateless. "We are in a stressful position. We can’t go to Eritrea where they will kill us. We can’t get a life in Ethiopia," one refugee explained.