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Fikra for Studies and Development calls for urgent action to rescue Sudanese refugees at the Awlala Refugee Site in Ethiopia
Fikra for Studies and Development calls for immediate intervention to address the critical situation facing 6,080 Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia's Amhara region. Violent attacks and insecurity forced Sudanese refugees, primarily women and children, to flee their camp at the Awlala refugee site. Since May 1st they have been enduring harsh conditions while taking refuge in a nearby forest.
They desperately lack basic necessities such as food, clean water, and proper shelter. The presence of elderly individuals and reports of serious illnesses exacerbate the urgency of this humanitarian crisis. In addition, they are exposed to the dangers of predator attacks, scorpion stings, and snake bites, among other hazards inherent to surviving in the heart of the bush. A considerable number of those refugees have been on a hunger strike that is approaching its 8th day.
Fikra for Studies and Development urges the Ethiopian authorities, UN agencies, UNHCR, IOM, and all relevant humanitarian stakeholders to implement an urgent coordinated response to alleviate the refugees' suffering. This response must prioritize:
- Delivering life-saving assistance including food, clean drinking water, and emergency medications.
- Establishing safe and secure shelters that take into account the conditions and needs of children, women and the elderly.
- Providing essential and urgent medical care services and WASH services in their relocated site.
Fikra for Studies and Development emphasizes the need for addressing the legitimate concerns of the refugees regarding their safety and security. FikraSD also emphasizes the need for a sustainable solution that addresses the long-term protection and resettlement needs of these refugees. These solutions should be discussed and agreed upon directly with representatives of Sudanese refugees without any form of agency or false representation.
We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure the well-being of the Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia and all over the world including providing the relevant actors with further information and context and direct contact with those refugees.
Fikra for Studies and Development
30 May 2024
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