Memo to Filippo Grandi, UNHCR Commissioner for Refugees
The dire situation of Sudanese refugees stranded in Ethiopia – PDF
Dear Mr. Grandi, We are writing on behalf of the Coordination of Sudanese Refugees in Ethiopia, Amhara Region, to bring to your urgent attention the dire situation of Sudanese refugees stranded in the Olalla Forest in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. The plight of these 6,880 refugees, which includes 2,135 children, is rapidly deteriorating due to the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopian Army and the Fano militia.
Since May, these refugees have been devoid of basic food supplies, forcing parents to go hungry to feed their children. Compounding this dire situation, the camp is plagued by daily armed attacks, theft, looting, and attempted rapes. The lack of clean water and adequate shelter has left the refugees vulnerable to insect-borne diseases, snakebites, and attacks from other predatory animals in the forest. With the rainy season approaching, we fear a humanitarian catastrophe, as heavy rains and floods will further exacerbate the already dire conditions.
Furthermore, nearly 2,000 refugees stranded in the Komar refugee camp are suffering greatly. Their psychological condition is extremely poor, especially following the killing of a pregnant woman by armed militia.
The Ethiopian government’s refusal to acknowledge their rights to food and aid exacerbates their suffering. Given these severe conditions, we urgently appeal to the UNHCR to fulfill its obligations to protect these refugees. Immediate intervention is necessary to provide the essential resources for their survival or facilitate a safe passage for their return to Sudan.
The situation is critical, and we implore the UNHCR to act swiftly to prevent further loss of life and ensure the safety and dignity of these vulnerable individuals.
alt: Memo on the dire situation of Sudanese refugees stranded in Ethiopia caption: Memorandum on the dire situation of Sudanese refugees stranded in Ethiopia