January 5/2002

 ETHIOPIAN REFUGEES IN THE SUDAN FACE GRAVE THREATS

 Many Ethiopian refugees in the Sudan have been rounded up in Khartoum and taken by lorries to an undisclosed destination. The action is just one in a series of such measures being taken by the Sudanese police prior and after the official government meeting between the Sudanese and EPRDF authorities. Rounded up Ethiopian refugees have been asked to produce a valid Ethiopian passport or a UNHCR document attesting that they are refugees.

 It is to be recalled that the UNHCR made an arbitrary and very political decision and revoked the refugees status/recognition from Ethiopian refugees alleging that the existing EPRDF government is not repressive. The facts on the ground prove otherwise and many human rights bodies and organizations have condemned the regrettable decision by the UNHCR. At present, thousands of Ethiopian refugees in the Sudan are without any protection and being jailed as "illegals" or pressurized to beg for documentation from the EPRDF embassy.

The ongoing round up and arrest of Ethiopian refugees in the Sudan once again highlights the dangers faced by the harassed refugees. The UNHCR is silent. Reports indicate that many of the arrested could be dropped at the border and thus handed over to the EPRDF. The brutal action has focused on refugees linked to opposition political organizations and there is little doubt that the whole operation is a repressive political operation aimed at benefiting the EPRDF.

 SOCEPP urges you to write protest letters to the UNHCR and to the Sudanese government and call for the respect of the human rights of Ethiopian refugees.

Address: Lt. General Omar Al Beshir People's Palace

 P.O.Box 281 ,

 Khartoum,Sudan.

SOCEPP