Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia face significant danger from ongoing clashes between federal forces and militias in Amhara state, leading to serious human rights abuses according to Human Rights Watch. HRW’s report indicates refugees have experienced violence, including murder and kidnappings, worsening their precarious situation as they fled conflict in Sudan. The Ethiopian government’s response has been criticized for insufficient protective measures in camps located near conflict zones, putting thousands at risk.
Clashes involving Ethiopian federal forces and militias have created a perilous environment for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The violence, primarily instigated by the Fano militia and other regional groups in Amhara state, has been amplified since April 2023 when the Ethiopian government declared its intention to dismantle paramilitary forces. Despite the expiration of a state of emergency in Amhara in June, hostilities have persisted, leading to the mobilization of federal troops in September. The northern region of Ethiopia shares a border with Sudan, which is currently undergoing a civil war between the Rapid Support Forces and the military leadership of Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. This turmoil has prompted an influx of refugees into Ethiopia, many of whom encounter alarming levels of violence and abuse. Laetitia Bader, Deputy Africa Director at HRW, emphasized, “Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia have been targets of abuses for more than a year from various armed actors.” HRW’s findings indicate that refugees have suffered from grave incidents such as murder, beatings, looting, kidnapping for ransom, and forced labor near two significant refugee camps. Many of these abuses have been reported since June 2023, collated from interviews with twenty refugees conducted earlier this year. Furthermore, HRW criticized the Ethiopian government for situating refugee camps in areas historically affected by conflict and failing to provide adequate security for the residents. One refugee, who remains anonymous for safety reasons, recounted the distressing experiences their family faced, stating, “I wanted to be safe when I left Sudan, but the beatings and robbery (in Ethiopia) were a lot for us to take. My kids were crying… They started insulting us, saying if we did not want to stay in Ethiopia, then we should go back to our country, to Sudan.” The findings were communicated to Ethiopia’s refugee service, which conceded that the camps are located near conflict zones yet claimed that security at the camps was sufficient. Escalating violence in the Amhara region has necessitated the closure of Awlala and Kumer camps in July 2023.
The current situation involves the plight of Sudanese refugees who have fled their home country due to severe conflict and violence related to an ongoing civil war. The refugees are seeking safety in Ethiopia, specifically in regions affected by local uprisings and government crackdowns. The Ethiopian government has been dealing with its own internal strife, particularly in the Amhara state, where clashes among regional militias and federal forces have raised significant concerns about the safety of refugees located in proximity to these zones of conflict. Human Rights Watch has documented extensive abuses against these vulnerable groups, adding to the urgency of the humanitarian crisis.
In conclusion, the report by Human Rights Watch highlights the pressing dangers faced by Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia amid ongoing ethnic and political strife. As they escape violence in their homeland, these individuals find themselves exposed to further risks in refugee camps, facing physical abuse and ongoing threats to their safety. The urgent need for protective measures and appropriate support for these refugees remains critical amid the deepening crisis in both Ethiopia and Sudan.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
