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Reports of attacks on Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia’s Tigray area are causing concern among human rights groups.
Some 96,000 Eritrean refugees lived in four camps in Tigray before the conflict began in November. Many fled to Sudan or other parts of the country, including the capital Addis Ababa.
Sarah Miller works with Refugees International, an independent group that works to support refugees. He said Eritreans are being collected and returned to Tigray or their homeland against their wishes.
“There is a lot of concern that Eritreans will be forced to return to places where they would be in danger,” he said. Miller added that it could be inside Ethiopia, in Tigray or even in Eritrea.
Miller told VOA that the reports come from refugees, family members, and non-governmental organizations or NGOs that are active in Ethiopia.
Two senators intervene
Chris Melzer is part of the UNHCR emergency team in Ethiopia. He told the VOA that his organization did not have permission to return to the four refugee camps in Tigray. However, again there is food aid in two of the camps. He is also concerned about reports of violence against refugees.
“We know many stories about murders and kidnappings from the camps, ”he said. He added that UNHCR cannot confirm the stories now, but if they are true, it would be a violation of international law.
The issue has caught the attention of US officials. In a joint statement, US Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Todd Young of Indiana demanded that all parties to the conflict follow the law and protect civilians. They called on Eritrean soldiers to allow the refugees to flee the violence.
We are deeply concerned by the reports of Eritrean refugees in Tigray killed, kidnapped and returned to Eritrea by Eritrean forces, as well as disturbing reports that some who try to reach safer areas are prevented from leaving, ”the senators said.
Evidence of soldiers seen by satellite
Recent reports suggest that Eritrean soldiers have been involved in the Tigray conflict. Reuters says five diplomats have pointed to evidence of soldiers on the ground from satellite images, communications and reports from Tigray.
A State Department spokesperson told the VOA that there are credible reports that Eritrean forces harm the refugees and prevent them from reaching safety.
“All parties must respect human rights and international humanitarian law,” the spokesman said.
But Eritrea’s Information Minister Yemane Gebremeskel said the United Nations is responsible for the hardships of Eritrean refugees in the Tigray area.
Redwan Hussien is spokesperson for the Ethiopian government task force in Tigray. After federal forces fired on a UN team, Hussein said that no one is allowed to move around the region without permission from the government.
Bad conditions
Miller of Refugee International said conditions in the refugee camps in Tigray have become very bad and there is a shortage of essential items.
“The UN has been reporting very little, little supply of food, medical supplies, fuel,” he said. “There are very few resources that the refugees would have to survive, so we see that many begin to leave the camps.”
Miller said officials should allow those fleeing on foot to do so safely.
“There is the right to flee for your life no matter where you are.” she said.
I am Jill Robbins.
Salem Solomon and Cindy Saine reported on this story for VOA News. Jill Robbins adapted it to learn English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor.
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Words in this story
to kidnap – v. remove (someone) from a place by force
disturbing – adj. causing worry or discomfort
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