Urgent UNHCR action needed for Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia
July 26, 2024 (CAIRO) – In a letter addressed to Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Dr Elshafie Khidir Saeed, Chairman of the Sudanese think tank Fikra for Studies and Development, has raised alarm over the deteriorating situation of Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.
According to Saeed, over 6,080 Sudanese refugees, displaced by conflict and seeking safety in Ethiopia, are facing dire conditions in a makeshift settlement in the Awlala region. Many of these refugees are women and children, making their plight even more urgent.
Reports of violence, including a recent attack that resulted in the death of a refugee couple, have heightened their trauma and insecurity. Limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and healthcare further exacerbates their vulnerability.
Saeed has called on the UNHCR to take immediate action to address the crisis. He specifically requests enhanced security measures to prevent further violence, relocation options to ensure the safety and dignity of the refugees, and a renewed effort to provide basic necessities. He also emphasizes the importance of empowering refugees and treating them with respect.
The appeal recognizes the challenges faced by UNHCR but stresses the urgency of the situation. Saeed calls for swift and decisive action, urging UNHCR to collaborate with stakeholders to find sustainable solutions for the Sudanese refugees in Amhara and beyond.
He reminds High Commissioner Grandi that his leadership represents the conscience of humanity and implores him to prioritize the safety, security, and dignity of those enduring these hardships.
The letter concludes with a plea for concrete steps to be taken by UNHCR to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese refugees. It reflects the growing concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region and the urgent need for international action.
The UNHCR’s response to this urgent appeal is awaited with great anticipation, as it is expected to set the tone for international efforts to address the dire situation of Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia.