September 5, 2001

DJIBOUTI: STOP THE DEPORTATION AND MISTREATMENT OF REFUGEES

The government of Djibouti has stepped up the deportation of Ethiopian refugees and civilians living there. Of the hundreds deported back to Ethiopia, SOCEPP has learnt the names of five political refugees (Asres Mezgebu, Elias Dejene, Kebede Jember, Aschalew Demis, Girma Ayalew) who would surely face repression in the hands of the EPRDF power holders

. In a related news, more than 70 Ethiopian students who had fled to Djibouti and are being held in the Ali Ade camp have made it known that the UNHCR has ignored them altogether and their condition is alarming. The students could face deportation in addition to the horrible condition (lack of food, etc...) they are enduring. More refugees are arriving from Ethiopia, the reports indicate, despite the grim possibility of deportation and mistreatment.

SOCEPP calls on the government of Djibouti to stop the deportation of Ethiopian political refugees. SOCEPP strongly protests to the UNHCR for its apparent refusal or failure to give due protection to deserving refugees.

SOCEPP