Human Security Under Siege: Displacement, Deprivation and Agony Among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tigray, Ethiopia

Gebrehawerya Haile Hadgu, Hafte Gebreselassie Gebrihet (), Mhrtay Adisalem Tikue, Tewelde Gebresslase Haile, Girmay Tadele Assefa and Gebregewergis Alemu Gebremedhn
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Gebrehawerya Haile Hadgu: Department of Governance and Development Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Adigrat University, Adigrat 50, Ethiopia
Hafte Gebreselassie Gebrihet: Department of Pedagogy, Religion, and Social Studies, Faculty of Education, Arts and Sports, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway
Mhrtay Adisalem Tikue: Department of Governance and Development Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Adigrat University, Adigrat 50, Ethiopia
Tewelde Gebresslase Haile: Department of Management, College of Business and Economics, Adigrat University, Adigrat 50, Ethiopia
Girmay Tadele Assefa: Department of Governance and Development Studies, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Adigrat University, Adigrat 50, Ethiopia
Gebregewergis Alemu Gebremedhn: Department of Statistics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat 50, Ethiopia

Social Sciences, 2025, vol. 14, issue 11, 1-23

Abstract: This study examines the multidimensional human security challenges faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Adigrat City, Tigray, Ethiopia, in the context of conflict-induced displacement. Guided by the Human Security Framework, the analysis addresses threats across economic, food, health, environmental, personal, community, and political domains. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires administered to a stratified sample of 349 IDPs, and analysed through descriptive statistics. Content analysis was conducted on interviews from 17 respondents who were selected purposefully, and secondary data was collected to understand IDPs’ experiences and institutional responses. The findings reveal severe and overlapping forms of deprivation: IDPs reside in overcrowded and inadequate shelters, face chronic food insecurity, and lack access to clean water, healthcare, and education. These conditions are compounded by psychosocial distress, including trauma, anxiety, and the erosion of social cohesion. The study finds that governmental and international responses remain limited, poorly coordinated, and insufficiently responsive to the complex needs of displaced people. While the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of displaced populations to their areas of origin should remain the ultimate objective, this outcome could be realized by fully implementing the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Responses including improved shelter, essential services access, livelihood recovery, and mental health support systems are essential to address urgent needs.

Keywords: internally displaced persons; human security; Tigray conflict; Adigrat; Ethiopia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A B N P Y80 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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