Eritrean refugees launch protest in Khartoum

Dec 2, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — Fifteen Eritrean refugees have launched a sit-in in front of the UNHCR office in Khartoum to protest the UN’s failure to abide by its promise to provide them with the necessary protection.

The 15 were released 31 October this year after completing a jail sentence for hijacking a Libyan airliner heading to Eritrea in September 2004. The protesters have vowed to remain in front of the southern entrance of the UN building in Khartoum.

Some of the refugees expressed their concern over recent improvement in political relations between Sudan and Eritrea, the Sudanese Akhbar al-Youm said.

One of the refugees Emmanuel Ephrem said that, following their release from jail, they were handed over to the passport authority that in turn transferred them to the UNHCR without following the necessary procedures.

He said that while in Kobar prison, they were visited by a UN employee who had promised that the UN would address all their problems, and meet their demands after they were released. However, he said, they were very disappointed as the UN had not provided them with housing, food or drink.

Emmanuel further said that the Eritrean regime was capable of getting hold of them if the UN did not accord them the necessary protection.

Another refugee, Tekleberhan said their situation was now desperate and that they had families and children who need their care.

He further said they are requesting the UN to find practical solutions to their problems.

(ST)