THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED CHILDREN IN THE TIGRAY REGION: A CASE STUDY IN SHIRE TOWN

Abstract

This research examines the protection of the rights of internally displaced children (IDC) in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, focusing on Shire Town as a case study. The study is motivated by the extensive displacement and humanitarian crisis triggered by the armed conflict that erupted in November 2020 between the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian government, alongside allied forces. As of July 2024, more than 878,000 people were displaced in Tigray, over half of them children. Despite Ethiopia‟s ratification of key international and regional child rights instruments, displaced children in Shire Town continue to experience serious violations of their rights. The research analyses the legal and institutional frameworks at the international, regional, and national levels, identifying significant gaps in their implementation. The study also critiques the humanitarian response as insufficient to meet the needs of displaced children, and notes the lack of durable solutions due to lack of political will, insecurity, and continued occupation of lands belonging to the IDPs. The findings of this research underscore the urgent need for stronger legal protections, expanded humanitarian assistance, family tracing and reunification, and durable solutions shall be implemented to move them from reliance on humanitarian aid toward self-sufficiency and resilience. This research offers timely insights for policymakers and legislators while contributing to academic literature on child protection in displacement. The research concludes that both the Ethiopian government and the international community must take coordinated and sustained action to address the rights and needs of internally displaced children in Tigray, ensuring their protection, development, and dignity in accordance with international standards.