Human Rights Watch Reports Increasing Dangers for Sudanese Refugees in Ethiopia
A recent Human Rights Watch report reveals that Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia’s Amhara region are facing severe risks, including violence, abduction, and forced labor, due to ongoing conflict between Ethiopian military forces and local Fano militias. The report documents multiple abuses from April 2023 to September 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for protection and assistance for these vulnerable individuals.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a concerning report highlighting the dire situation faced by Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where they are experiencing rampant violence, including abductions and forced labor, amid an ongoing conflict between Ethiopian government forces and local Fano militias. The report documents instances of abuse affecting refugees from April 2023 to September 2024, underscoring that these individuals, who fled severe persecution in Sudan, are now encountering even more threats to their well-being in Ethiopia. The Amhara region, particularly the areas housing Sudanese refugees such as the Awlala and Kumer camps, has been identified as a hotspot of insecurity. The conflict intensified in August 2023, leading to increased attacks against refugees, who have reported a range of violent incidents, including robberies, assaults, and murders. Adding to this turmoil, Sudan’s closure of the El Gedaref border crossing exacerbated the vulnerabilities faced by those fleeing the unrest in their homeland. Refugees living in these camps described horrifying encounters with armed groups, stating, “They asked me about my telephones, money. [They warned that] if I said no, they would shoot me. I gave them my phone. They still shot into my tent. My children were afraid.” Many refugees have also reported being coerced into labor, enduring forced work on local farms as a result of militia threats. Conditions within the camps have deteriorated markedly, prompting the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to close the Awlala and Kumer camps in July 2024 and relocate refugees to the Aftit camp. However, conditions remained hazardous, with refugees facing continued insecurity and inadequate access to food and medical care. Complaints of minimal food aid, further violence, and forced relocations highlight the lack of adequate protection for these vulnerable populations. Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service responded to allegations by denying any forced relocations, asserting a commitment to the protection of refugees. Nevertheless, Human Rights Watch has called for governmental action to ensure the safety of refugees, urging the Ethiopian authorities to relocate them from conflict zones to safer locations. Overall, the report reveals the precarious position of Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, spotlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and protection measures. The ongoing conflict not only endangers lives but also complicates efforts to assist those fleeing violence in their home country.
The report by Human Rights Watch sheds light on the precarious situation for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, where ethnic and political tensions have escalated. Since fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, these refugees are now facing severe threats, including violence from armed groups and forced labor. The region has a history of conflict, particularly between various ethnic communities, which has only intensified following the resurgence of local militias. This context is crucial for understanding the risks and challenges refugees encounter in their search for safety.
The HRW report unequivocally highlights the urgent and ongoing crisis faced by Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia. As they flee atrocities in Sudan, the violence and insecurity they encounter in Ethiopia compound their suffering. The evidence of abuses and inadequate protection measures illustrates a critical need for both local and international responses to ensure the safety and dignity of these vulnerable populations. The situation calls for immediate attention from humanitarian organizations and the Ethiopian government to protect those in need and provide essential services.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
