March 11, 2003

ETHIOPIAN REFUGEE FORECFULLY DEPORTED BY THE SUDAN

YIHENEW HUNEGNAW NIGATU, a bona fide Ethiopian refugee in the Sudan (ID number #16981 and travel document no. # 27764) has been deported to Ethiopia, reliable reports have confirmed to SOCEPP. Yihenew was called by the Sudanese authorities in Gedaref for questioning and then "disappeared". It is now learnt both from the Sudan and Ethiopia that he has been deported. An active critic of the repressive EPRDF, Yihenew faces serious threats to his life.

SOCEPP vigorously condemns this illegal act by the Sudanese authorities and once again directs its criticism to the UNHCR and COR who have forfeited their task and objective of giving protection to refugees. The EPRDF security forces have now stepped up their harassment of refugees in the Sudan and to this effect have opened up a consul in Gedaref. In this connection, other refugees who have been designated as politically dangerous to the EPRDF, have been arrested in Gedaref. More deportations are to be expected as the UNHCR derelicts on its duty of protecting refugees.

SOCEPP calls on the government of the Sudan to stop the deportations, the arrests and overall harassment of Ethiopian refugees. Arrested refugees should be released without any delay whatsoever.

 SOCEPP once again calls on the UNHCR to stop colliding with the EPRDF in the harassment and deportation of Ethiopian refugees. The denial of refugee status to Ethiopians who have fled from persecution is not only erroneous but a travesty of justice that deserves all round condemnation.

 The EPRDF should be asked to report on the whereabouts of Yihenew Hunegnaw Nigatu.

SOCEPP