Human Rights Watch has urged the Ethiopian government to protect thousands of Sudanese refugees who have fled their war-torn country since April 2023. Despite initial safety efforts, refugees continue to face violence from local armed groups and even Ethiopian security forces. The organization calls for adherence to international law regarding refugee protection and humanitarian assistance.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Ethiopian government to act promptly to safeguard the rights and safety of Sudanese refugees seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict in their homeland. Since April 2023, Ethiopia has become a sanctuary for tens of thousands of Sudanese fleeing violence. However, these refugees have encountered severe challenges, facing violence and further displacement after arriving. Initially, many Sudanese refugees settled in camps located in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Unfortunately, these locations have witnessed numerous abuses, including killings, beatings, and abductions carried out by local militias and armed groups. In July, the Ethiopian authorities attempted to relocate thousands of these refugees to a safer camp; however, the recent intensification of hostilities between government forces and the Fano militia has complicated their situation, exposing them to renewed threats. Laetitia Bader, Deputy Africa Director at HRW, stated, “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.” Reports from HRW, which include accounts from refugees and humanitarian workers, depict a dire reality for these displaced individuals. Some refugees indicated that even the Ethiopian security forces had engaged in abusive practices against them, including physical violence and coercing them to return 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 contends that forcing refugees back to Sudan is a violation of international law. Attacks on civilians and refugee camps are equally unacceptable. The organization has urged all parties in the conflict to respect human rights and facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian assistance to those in need. Furthermore, Bader emphasized the obligation of the Ethiopian government to protect these vulnerable populations by relocating them away from danger zones. She remarked, “The international community needs to step up and provide increased support to ensure these refugees receive the urgent assistance they need.”
This article highlights the critical situation faced by Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, who are fleeing violent conflicts in their home country. As of April 2023, thousands have entered Ethiopia seeking safety, yet many have encountered violence and abuse upon arrival. The camps set up for these refugees, initially intended as safe havens, have turned out to be sites of danger due to conflicts between local militias and government forces. The intervention of international human rights organizations underscores the urgency of this humanitarian crisis and calls for accountability from the Ethiopian government and the international community to protect these refugees and uphold their rights.
In conclusion, the situation for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia remains precarious, necessitating immediate action from the Ethiopian government to ensure their safety. The need for adherence to international laws concerning the protection of refugees is clear, as is the call for enhanced support from the international community. Safeguarding the rights of those who have fled violence is not only a moral imperative but a legal obligation that must be upheld by all parties involved, ensuring that these vulnerable individuals receive the protection and assistance they desperately need.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
