HRW Appeals for Protection of Sudanese Refugees in Ethiopia
Human Rights Watch has urged the Ethiopian government to protect Sudanese refugees facing violence after fleeing their war-torn country. Many have encountered danger and human rights abuses in refugee camps. HRW calls for immediate action to ensure their safety and advocates for international support for these vulnerable populations.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a crucial plea to the Ethiopian government, urging immediate measures to safeguard Sudanese refugees who have fled violence and conflict in their home nation. Beginning in April 2023, a significant influx of Sudanese refugees, numbering in the tens of thousands, sought refuge in Ethiopia but encountered further violence and displacement upon arrival. Initially, many were housed in two camps located in the Amhara region, where they endured grave human rights violations, including killings, beatings, and abductions carried out by local armed groups and militias. To enhance their safety, authorities relocated a substantial number of these refugees to a newly established camp in July. However, the recent intensification of hostilities between government forces and the Fano militia has placed these vulnerable populations in an even more precarious situation. HRW’s Deputy Africa Director, Laetitia Bader, emphasized the dire circumstances facing these refugees, stating, “These refugees have escaped horrific abuses in Sudan and came to Ethiopia seeking safety, not further threats to their lives. The Ethiopian government must ensure their protection.” A recent HRW report, which draws upon testimonies from refugees and humanitarian workers, outlines the severe threats facing these individuals. It reveals that armed groups specifically target refugees, with indications that even Ethiopian security forces have been engaged in abuses, such as physical assaults and unlawful repatriation to Sudan. One refugee recounted a harrowing experience, saying, “I was beaten five times in the ribs. My children were crying. They told us if we didn’t want to stay in Ethiopia, we should go back to Sudan.” HRW underscores that any forced repatriation of refugees to Sudan is in direct violation of international law, as are attacks on civilians and refugee shelters. The organization calls for all conflict parties to adhere to human rights principles and ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those in need. Bader further urged, “The Ethiopian government must uphold its obligations to protect refugees and relocate them away from the conflict zone. The international community needs to step up and provide increased support to ensure these refugees receive the urgent assistance they need.”
The ongoing humanitarian crisis precipitated by the conflict in Sudan has led to a considerable number of individuals seeking refuge in Ethiopia. Since April 2023, the influx of Sudanese refugees has escalated, primarily due to violent conflict and extensive human rights abuses faced in their home country. Ethiopian authorities’ initial response involved relocating refugees to designated camps, yet the successive outbreak of violence involving local militias and government forces has jeopardized these efforts, exposing refugees to further peril. Human Rights Watch, an esteemed advocacy organization, has documented these abuses through interviews and has been vocal in urging the Ethiopian government to fulfill its ethical obligation to protect the well-being of these displaced individuals.
In summary, the situation for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia is increasingly dire as they attempt to evade the horrors of war only to encounter new threats. Human Rights Watch’s call for the Ethiopian government to ensure the safety and security of these individuals highlights the urgent need for protection against violence and abuse, as well as the necessity for international support. Upholding refugees’ rights is imperative to alleviate their suffering and safeguard their future.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
