20100622
africanews

Ethiopia is hosting more than 150,000 refugees from four neighbouring countries, the country's government said as the world celebrates refugee Day.

The Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) said the number of refugees has increased to 150,366 now from 110,000 last year due to the influx of refugees mainly from Eritrea and Somalia.

According to ARRA report, Ethiopia is currently sheltering 70,491 Somalis, 50,718 others from Eritrea and 24,692 Sudanese refugees in 12 camps.

Some 2,000 Eritreans and 1,250 Somali refugees are crossing the borders to Ethiopia every month to flee the ongoing fighting in Somalia.

ARRA deputy director, Ayalew Awoke said the Ethiopian government partner with the UNHCR and the World Food Program is providing the necessary support to the refuges.

He says that an additional two camps are opened for Somali and Eritrean refugees this year.

UNHCR office in Ethiopia has already appealed 13 million dollars to help upcoming refugees.