UN clarifies status of Ethiopian refugees after fleeing Tigray to Sudan

CAIRO – 13 December 2020: The number of Ethiopians who fled their country since the outbreak of armed conflict between the federal government and the Tigray's People Liberation Front on November 4 has reached 50,000 on the Sudanese borders alone, according to the UNHCR.

Those evaded the cut of water supply, fuel, and communications. In tandem, the United Nations workers have been facing difficulties in delivering aids to the region's residents.

As reported by The Telegraph, humanitarian groups announced December 11 that four aid workers were killed in Tigray region due to the ongoing conflict.  

The UNCHR pointed out that Tigray people started escaping on November 6, and that the daily number of those leaving to Sudan has recently dipped below 5,000. A number of those refugees spoke out revealing they had to hide in agricultural fields and jungles on their way to safety.

The UNICEF underlined that half of those who fled are children, including 200 who are not accompanied by parents or custodians. Upon arrival to Sudan, 8,000 children aged below five were screened for malnutrition by the UN teams.  

The UNICEF pointed out that the Ethiopian refugees are in dire need for clear water, sewage, and protection from violence. As the crisis will persist, education must be secured for children as well as a safe space.

Moreover, 96,000 Eritrean refugees who were dwelling four camps in Tigray near the borders with Sudan were displaced to Mekele, the capital city of Tigray, and Addis Ababa. The UNHCR has not been able to get in contact with them for follow-up for a month.

On the other hand, the Ethiopian federal government stated on Friday that the Eritrean refugees would be returned to the camps. The move has alarmed the UNHCR given that the conflict is estimated to have killed thousands of people.