Human Rights Watch says Sudanese refugees facing ‘grave risks’
Human Rights Watch warned on October 17th that fighting between Ethiopian forces and militias are putting Sudanese refugees at “grave risk,” according to the Arab News via AFP.
A government state of emergency in the north-western state of Amhara, home to some 23 million people, expired back in June but the violence has continued. The region borders Sudan, which is also facing a civil war which has led to tens of thousands fleeing into Ethiopia.
“Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia have been targets of abuses for more than a year from various armed actors,” said Human Rights Watch’s deputy Africa director Laetitia Bader.
“These refugees have fled horrific abuses back home and urgently need protection, not further threats to their lives.” Human Rights Watch said in a report that “armed men and local militias have committed murder, beatings, looting, kidnapping for ransom and forced labor” near two camps, with abuses ongoing since June 2023.
AFP
