Ethiopian refugee association for people with disabilities gains official recognition after years of advocacy
via The Reporter Ethiopia7 min read
The Tesfa Refugees with Disabilities Association, an organization dedicated to advocating for refugees with disabilities in Ethiopia, has officially secured recognition from the country’s Authority for Civil Society Organizations. This milestone, achieved in January 2026, follows years of administrative challenges that prevented the association from obtaining an operating license and accessing institutional support. The formal recognition was celebrated on April 27 at Addis Ababa’s Harmony Hotel, bringing together various stakeholders including honorary members, human rights representatives, humanitarian organizations, and donors. The association, locally known as Tesfa Yesdetegnoch Akal Gudategnoch Mahber, aims to strengthen the dignity, independence, and social inclusion of its members, while advancing their legal and economic rights. Azeb Mszelo Gebrekidan, a 41-year-old Eritrean refugee living with a disability, joined the association three years ago and expressed hope that recognition will lead to improved support. Ashenafi Teklay, an honorary member, noted that the organization endured bureaucratic paralysis since its first meetings in 2022, but membership grew from 127 to over 200. The association’s immediate concerns include securing an accessible office and ensuring that humanitarian organizations pay closer attention to the needs of vulnerable members, particularly those who are bedridden. Yemaneh Abraha, the association’s chairman and a founding member, emphasized
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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