Ethiopia’s digital IDs scheme offers refugees a way out of limbo

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Ethiopia, in partnership with the UNHCR, is issuing digital IDs to refugees through the Fayda system to enable them to move freely, access education, and find employment. This initiative particularly benefits refugees fleeing from Al-Shabaab in the Somali region.

The Ethiopian government, partnered with UNHCR, is integrating refugees via mass issuance of digital IDs. Labelled the Fayda system, Amharic for “value”, it allows refugees the freedom to move throughout the country, access to education, and to get a job. In the Somali region, the initiative is giving hope to thousands who have fled Al-Shabaab, and have been living in camps for years in limbo in some cases for decades. FRANCE 24’s Tom Canetti reports.