Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Ethiopian government to take urgent steps to protect thousands of Sudanese refugees who fled their homeland to escape war but now face violence and insecurity in Ethiopia.
Since April 2023, tens of thousands of Sudanese have crossed into Ethiopia, many seeking refuge in camps in the Amhara region. However, they have been subjected to killings, assaults, and abductions by local militias and gunmen. In July, authorities relocated many of the refugees to a new camp, but ongoing clashes between Ethiopian forces and the Fano militia have exposed them to new dangers.
“These refugees fled horrific violence in Sudan, only to find themselves in further danger in Ethiopia,” said Laetitia Bader, HRW’s deputy Africa director. “The Ethiopian government has a responsibility to protect them.”
According to HRW’s latest report, refugees and aid workers describe escalating abuses. Refugees have been targeted by armed groups, with some accusing Ethiopian security forces of involvement in beatings and forced returns to Sudan.
“I was beaten in the ribs five times,” shared one refugee, adding that his children witnessed the abuse. “They told us if we didn’t want to stay here, we should go back to Sudan.”
HRW stressed that forcing refugees back to Sudan or attacking refugee camps violates international law. The organization urged the Ethiopian government and all armed groups to respect human rights and facilitate humanitarian aid access to refugees.
“The government must relocate refugees away from conflict zones and ensure their safety,” Bader said, calling for more international support to meet the urgent needs of the displaced Sudanese.