JUNE 20/2006

As the world observes World Refugee Day, it is unavoidable for SOCEPP to highlight that the plight of Ethiopian refugees has worsened all over the world.

The condition of Ethiopin refugees in the Sudan for example,with many thrown into jails and harassed routinely, is worse than before. Refugees who tried to seek asylum in Western Europe have also been facing rejection and deportation threats and measures. A case in point is the plight of Ethiopian refugees in Switzerland. Djibouti is another hell hole for Ethiopian refugees while the treatment in South Africa also leaves much to be desired. The worsening situation is explained by the misguided political conclusions of Western countries in particular. As the regime of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi is an ally of the West and a close friend of the Sudan there is the tendency to consider Ethiopia a "safe country" and a denial of the human rights violations that are taking place systmatically and continuously. The regime in Ethiopia is repressive and identified as a predator of the free press.It holds more than 50,000 political prisoners in inhumane conditions. Many Ethiopians flee to neighboring countries and afar to escape from its claws. Hundreds of Ethiopians have drowned in the Red Sea in an effort to make it to Yemen for example.

Thousands of refugees continue to flee the regime of Meles Zenawi. As we observe World Refugee Day, SOCEPP calls for the respect of their rights and for a condemnation of the human rights violation that gos on in Ethiopia.