July 12, 2003

Ethiopian refugees in Yemen are suffering unnecessarily due to the fact the branch UNHCR office in Sana'a has not only failed to assure them their refugee rights but has, it seems, collided with those inimical elements who strive to harm the hundreds of refugees living in Yemen. Most of the refugees, as you know, are former naval officers.

Under the cover of the so called Refugee Status Determination, the branch UNHCR office is accused of having dangerously compromised the refugees' status and of exposing them to forced repatriation, imprisonment, unemployment and generally precarious existence. The EPRDF embassy in Sana'a controls the so- called Ethiopian Community in Sana'a and uses the association to harass the refugees (specially the naval officers) and to cause their deportation. The UNHCR must see to it that the branch office does its expected task of giving due and proper protection to the refugees. The closure of the Negjid Hussein camp and the predicament of the urbanized naval refugees indicate that the branch office has not been doing its duty. Worse still, the branch UNHCR office is also accused of blocking the chances of resettlement for these refugees by claiming that they have "been integrated into Yemeni society".

Hon. Commissioner,

The refugees must been given their proper ID as refugees so that they can earn their living and enjoy the proper legal protection due to their status. All unhealthy relations between the EPRDF embassy in Sana'a and the UNHCR branch officials must also be investigated and stopped as it works against the interests and welfare of the refugees. The refugees must not also be denied the chances of resettlement in third countries provided they are willing and ready to avail themselves of such an opportunity. The refugees are sounding an SOS and the UNHCR must listen to their plea and take immediate and proper action.

Thank you

SOCEPP

please write your letters to:

H.E THE COMMISSIONER RUDD LUBBERS,

UNHCR

C. P. 2500

1211 Geneva 2

Switzerland

tel. 41-22-739 8111

fax: 41 22 739 7314/15/16