Main Article Content

Managing Irregular Migration in Ethiopia: A Case for Policies Centering the Right to Development


F. Gebresenbet
F. Sintayehu

Abstract

Recent years witnessed concerted bilateral and multilateral efforts to reduce irregular migration. Based on fieldwork conducted in Atsbi Wenberta, Tigray and Wereda 7 Addis Ketema Sub-City, Addis Ababa, we argue that the existing policy measures are based on a deficient understanding of the migration process. Firstly, migrants from Ethiopia are considered as mechanically responding to ‘greener pastures’ elsewhere. This focus on structural explanations of migration ignores agency of individual migrants and the impact of established norms on decision making in some localities. Secondly and more importantly, we argue that extant policies are geared towards ensuring basic socio-
economic needs- negative freedoms. Based on this framework, we argue towards a comprehensive understanding of determinants of migration and policy making, which puts the migrant and her/his agency at the center of the analysis. Accordingly, we propose the advancement of migration policies and interventions which are centered on the right to development.


Key words: Migration, Ethiopia, right to development


Journal Identifiers


eISSN:
print ISSN: 2307-6097