Djibouti 1987-1989: 1. Is the refugee camp at Ali Sabieh in Djibouti under the control of the UNHCR or some other UN organization? 2. Can a person who seeks asylum at the Ali Sabieh camp leave the camp and return again or must that person remain inside the camp? 3. What is the nationality of the majority of the persons at the Ali Sabieh camp (Ethiopian, Somali or other). 4. Is there a layout or aerial photograph of the Ali Sabieh camp available
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 August 1989 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | DJI1740 |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Djibouti 1987-1989: 1. Is the refugee camp at Ali Sabieh in Djibouti under the control of the UNHCR or some other UN organization? 2. Can a person who seeks asylum at the Ali Sabieh camp leave the camp and return again or must that person remain inside the camp? 3. What is the nationality of the majority of the persons at the Ali Sabieh camp (Ethiopian, Somali or other). 4. Is there a layout or aerial photograph of the Ali Sabieh camp available, 1 August 1989, DJI1740, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acfd34.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
1. During a telephone conversation on August 9, 1989, Angela Gibbs of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) stated that Ali Sabieh camp was run under the auspices of the UNHCR. In June 1987, following the repatriation program, 80 refugees, all Ethiopian, were left at Ali Sabieh camp. Consequently upon refusing repatriation, these 80 refugees were transferred to Dikhil refugee camp, also operated under the auspices of the UNHCR. Ali Sabieh camp was officially closed by the Djiboutian government in July 1987. [UNHCR written response to an IRBDC request submitted to the Geneva office dated 19 September 1989.]
2. The attached report from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva states that Ali Sabieh refugee camp in Djibouti was an open camp, with no restrictions on the refugees' freedom of movement.
3. The refugees at Ali Sabieh camp were predominantly Ethiopian.
4. The IRBDC is presently unable to obtain a copy of an aerial photograph of Ali Sabieh camp.
The IRBDC is presently unable to document corroborating information on these responses.
