A new report on Ethiopia’s security situation, commissioned by the Norwegian Organization for Asylum Seekers (NOAS) and authored by Professor Terje Østebø from the University of Florida, highlights widespread human rights violations and a deteriorating situation, particularly in Oromia. NOAS urges Norway to follow UNHCR’s recommendations and halt returns to conflict-affected areas. Despite these concerns, Norwegian authorities continue to prioritize forced returns to Ethiopia.
The report challenges previous assessments by Landinfo, emphasizing that not only political leaders but also ordinary citizens face significant risks. NOAS has formally requested the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security to align its policies with UNHCR’s guidance, which advises against returning individuals to conflict zones.
Additionally, NOAS criticizes the practice of Ethiopian asylum seekers being compelled to meet with Ethiopian authorities while detained at Trandum without legal representation or Norwegian officials present. The Supervisory Council for the Immigration Detention Centre has deemed this practice illegal and in violation of detainees' legal protections. NOAS supports the Council’s call for this practice to end and insists that such procedures be legally regulated, ensuring that detainees have access to legal counsel and official oversight.