Human Rights Watch is urging the Ethiopian government to take immediate action to protect Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan. Since April 2023, thousands have sought refuge in Ethiopia, facing violence and displacement. Authorities moved some to a new camp in July, but recent escalations in fighting have jeopardized their safety. HRW emphasizes that the Ethiopian government has a responsibility to ensure the protection of these refugees and calls for increased international support.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a pressing call for the Ethiopian government to take urgent measures to safeguard Sudanese refugees who have fled their homeland amidst dire conflict. Since April 2023, a significant influx of Sudanese individuals has entered Ethiopia seeking refuge from the atrocities of war, only to encounter violence and further displacement upon arrival. Initially, many of these refugees found refuge in two camps located in the Amhara region, where they have faced grave threats including killings, beatings, and abductions perpetrated by local armed groups and militias. In July 2023, authorities attempted to mitigate these dangers by relocating thousands of refugees to a new camp. However, recent escalations in violence between government forces and the Fano militia have exacerbated the perilous conditions for these vulnerable individuals. Laetitia Bader, the deputy Africa director for HRW, emphasized the need for the Ethiopian government to provide effective protection, stating, “These refugees have escaped horrific abuses in Sudan and came to Ethiopia seeking safety, not further threats to their lives.” Furthermore, HRW’s report, based on testimonies from refugees and humanitarian workers, illustrates a disheartening landscape wherein armed groups specifically target refugees. Disturbingly, even Ethiopian security forces have been accused of engaging in abusive practices, such as physical assaults and coercive repatriation to Sudan. One refugee shared their harrowing ordeal, recounting, “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 strongly asserts that any forced return of refugees to Sudan constitutes a violation of international law, as does any act of aggression against civilians and refugee camps. The organization has called upon all factions involved in the conflict to adhere to human rights principles and ensure safe passage for humanitarian assistance. Laetitia Bader further highlighted, “The Ethiopian government must uphold its obligations to protect refugees and relocate them away from the conflict zone” and urged the international community to enhance its support to guarantee that these refugees receive the critical assistance they urgently require.
The refugee crisis stemming from Sudan, primarily due to internal conflicts and civil unrest, has seen thousands seeking asylum in neighboring countries, including Ethiopia. The influx began to escalate significantly in April 2023 when the situation in Sudan deteriorated further. Ethiopian refugee camps were initially viewed as safe havens, but the emerging violence and threats from local militias and armed groups transformed these areas into additional sources of danger for the refugees. International organizations, like Human Rights Watch, have become crucial advocates in urging host nations to fulfill their obligations under international law to protect those seeking refuge, especially in conflict-affected regions.
In conclusion, the situation confronting Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia remains critically alarming, characterized by violence and a lack of protection. Human Rights Watch’s urgent plea for Ethiopian authorities to enhance the safeguarding of these individuals underscores the need for immediate action and international assistance. The testimonies of the refugees highlight grave human rights concerns, including potential violations of international law. Urging the government to relocate refugees away from conflict zones and calling for robust humanitarian aid, HRW advocates for the human dignity and safety of those who have already endured tremendous suffering.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
