The Federal Ethiopian government has issued a statement regarding the deportation of Eritreans from Ethiopia.
Since last month, Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia have been abducted, arrested, and forcibly deported to Eritrea without a complete legal process or adequate investigation. Reports indicate that these deportations have occurred without any official reason being provided. Such actions are in direct violation of international human rights treaties to which Ethiopia is a signatory and must adhere.
It is important to emphasize that these individuals are refugees. Eritrean refugees have been forced to flee their country due to the oppressive conditions in Eritrea, including persecution for political views, and religious beliefs and indefinite forced labor. These refugees sought asylum to escape a violent, anti-democratic regime. Deportation to Eritrea poses severe risks to their lives, as they face imprisonment, torture, or worse upon their return. The Federal Ethiopian government is fully aware of these dangers.
Reports indicate that deported refugees are being imprisoned and sent to the SAWA training camp, where they are subjected to continuous forced labor. Such actions represent a grave threat to the safety and dignity of these individuals. Mass deportations of refugees are illegal and violate international human rights standards.
The Federal Ethiopian government must respect its obligations under the laws of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and ensure the protection of refugees residing in Ethiopia. Eritrean refugees, like all refugees, have a duty to comply with the legal requirements of their host country. However, their legal rights must also be safeguarded. The illegal deportation of refugees demands urgent action from the international community to pressure the Ethiopian government to cease such actions.
This is the second time Eritreans in Ethiopia have faced forced repatriation. The first wave of deportations targeted innocent Eritreans with no political affiliations, leaving lasting scars. It is crucial to prevent a repeat of these events. Strong measures and political intervention are needed to ensure this does not happen again.
The International Yiakil Movement calls on the international community and the Ethiopian government to take immediate action to stop the ongoing deportations and investigate these incidents. We demand the release of detained refugees and an end to any plans for further deportations. Decisions involving refugees must comply with UNHCR standards and respect the rights of refugees.
The International Yiakil Movement is a global political grassroot movement advocating for democracy and human rights in Eritrea. We stand for the rights of Eritreans worldwide and demand justice for those persecuted.
Global Yiakl Eritrean Movement
December 24, 2024
