Human Rights Watch has called on Ethiopia to protect Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict, who have experienced violence and abuse since arriving. The situation has intensified with armed groups targeting refugees, and Ethiopian security forces implicated in abuses. HRW emphasizes the need for international action and adherence to human rights laws regarding refugee protection.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has urgently called upon the Ethiopian government to take immediate measures to safeguard Sudanese refugees who have fled the conflict in their homeland. Since April 2023, a significant influx of Sudanese individuals has sought refuge in Ethiopia, yet many have encountered violence and further displacement. Initially housed in two camps within the Amhara region, these refugees have suffered grave abuses, including killings, beatings, and abductions perpetrated by local militias and gunmen. In an effort to enhance safety, Ethiopian authorities relocated numerous refugees to a different camp in July. Nonetheless, the resurgence of hostilities between government forces and the Fano militia has exacerbated the peril faced by these vulnerable individuals. Laetitia Bader, the deputy Africa director of HRW, articulated the dire situation, 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.” HRW’s report outlines the troubling reality for these refugees, revealing that armed groups have specifically targeted them, with some Ethiopian security forces reportedly involved in abuses such as beatings and forcibly returning refugees to Sudan. One refugee recounted, “I was beaten five times in the ribs. My children were crying. They told us if we did not want to stay in Ethiopia, we should go back to Sudan.” HRW emphasizes that the forced repatriation of refugees to Sudan contravenes international law, as do assaults on civilians and refugee encampments. The organization has implored all conflict parties to uphold human rights and facilitate safe humanitarian access. Bader stressed the need for the Ethiopian government to fulfill its responsibility to protect refugees, advocating for their relocation away from conflict-affected zones. She also called upon the international community to intensify support efforts to ensure that these refugees receive the necessary assistance.
The situation for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia has deteriorated significantly since the onset of armed conflict in Sudan in April 2023. Many individuals sought safety in Ethiopia, only to face additional violence and threats within their host country. The Ethiopian government has been criticized for its handling of refugee protection, especially as armed groups target these displaced persons, exacerbated by internal conflicts involving local militias and government forces. Understanding the challenges faced by refugees in Ethiopia is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of refugee protection and human rights in conflict zones.
The situation concerning Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia requires immediate attention from the Ethiopian government and the international community. With reports of abuses and the danger posed by ongoing conflict, it is imperative that adequate measures are taken to ensure their safety and uphold human rights standards. The urgent call by Human Rights Watch underscores the necessity for action to safeguard these vulnerable populations.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
