SOCIAL REINTEGRATION OF THE RETURNEES TO THEIR SOCIETY: THE CASE OF AYDER SUBCITY

Abstract

This study explores the Social Reintegration challenges and experiences of Returnee Fighters to their Society after engaging in conflict: The case of Ayder sub-city, Mekelle town. According to the renaissance minister of Ethiopia, the central goal of rehabilitation is the returning of persons with disabilities to an active and fruitful life within society. It includes occupational rehabilitation program includes assessment, professional guidance, training, and assistance integrating into employment. The research aims to provide insights that can inform policies and programs aimed at facilitating the successful social reintegration returnee fighters with their communities. Warner emphasizes that the impact of war over the economic and political aspects of the whole society. Jennifer and hazen also studied on the challenges of returnees in the reintegration process. But, the degree of reintegration of the returnee fighters with their society and the solutions for the problems of social reintegration of the returnee fighters with their society was their gap. This was the reason why the researcher motivated to conduct the study. The study employed mixed method research design (both qualitative and quantitative method). A questionnaire, depth interview and personal observation methods were used for data collection. To analyze the Social reintegration of the Returnee fighters with their society the study used both being explanatory and t-test with the help of SPSS software. The study revealed that the social reintegration of the returnee fighters with their community were not good because, the government does not provide enough support for them. Besides the study revealed that the existing support were found be inadequate, delayed, and unfair and lack special consideration for highly vulnerable groups who had been severely affected. The study has shown that the government contribution was weak such as promises were not fulfilled, training was not given, and returnees were not reintegrated with the community. Consequently, this has a negative impact on having permanent income and stable life for the returnees. They became vulnerable and dependent on their relatives. To solve such problems the study suggested that measures be taken by different stakeholders such as government duty to empowering and fully participating in public meetings and decisions, facilitating job creation and training, building social reintegration, focusing on highly vulnerable and finally implementing the regulations of commotion of patriot‟s.