Human Rights Watch has alerted that Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia are at ‘grave risk’ due to violent clashes between federal forces and militias in the Amhara region. Reports indicate severe abuses committed against these refugees, including murder, beatings, and kidnappings. The ongoing unrest in both Ethiopia and Sudan necessitates urgent protection for these vulnerable populations.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recently issued a grave warning regarding the dire conditions faced by Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia amidst escalating clashes between Ethiopian federal forces and regional militias. This turmoil, primarily centered in the Amhara region, poses significant threats to the safety and well-being of refugees who have fled the ongoing violence in Sudan. A report from HRW indicates that various armed groups have perpetrated numerous acts of violence against these vulnerable individuals, including killings, assaults, looting, kidnappings, and forced labor near refugee camps. The Horn of Africa nation is witnessing ongoing strife, particularly since the federal government aimed to suppress local militias in April 2023, resulting in the deployment of federal troops and a precarious security situation. Despite a state of emergency in Amhara having expired in June, the unrest has continued unabated. HRW’s deputy Africa director, Laetitia Bader, emphasized the urgency of the situation, expressing concern that refugees who have escaped severe persecution and violence in Sudan now find themselves facing new threats in Ethiopia. Documented abuses have been reported over the past year, with HRW conducting interviews with individuals residing in three refugee camps and a transit center. One refugee articulated their despair: “We wanted to be safe when we left Sudan, but the beatings and robbery (in Ethiopia) were a lot for us to take.” Such statements underline the harsh realities faced by individuals seeking safety and security. The Ethiopian government has acknowledged the camps’ proximity to conflict areas while asserting that security measures are in place; however, many refugees contest this claim, asserting that promises of safety have gone unfulfilled. In light of the worsening conditions, the HRW report calls for immediate international attention and action to protect these at-risk populations.
The situation for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia is increasingly precarious due to intensifying violence in both regions. Following a civil war in Sudan that erupted in 2023, thousands have fled their homes in search of safety. Many have sought refuge in neighboring Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, which is currently beset by clashes between federal forces and local armed groups. Despite the presence of federal troops and state interventions, the security situation remains unstable, leading to ongoing abuses against refugees who are already traumatized from their experiences in Sudan. The role of local militias and armed groups in exacerbating these challenges is a critical aspect of the refugee crisis.
In summary, Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia face severe risks due to the ongoing violent conflicts in the Amhara region. Human Rights Watch’s report highlights the various forms of abuses these individuals endure, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard their rights and well-being. It is imperative that both national and international authorities respond to the dire situation to ensure the protection and safety of vulnerable refugees fleeing from conflict.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
