1. United States
  2. Colo.
  3. Letter

Urgent Action for Intl. Intervention to Protect Tigrayan Refugees in Sudan

To: Rep. Caraveo, Sen. Bennet, Sen. Hickenlooper

From: A constituent in Thornton, CO

February 16, 2024

The situation in Sudan, especially the Gedarif State, underscores the devastating human toll of this conflict. The world must not ignore the plight of the Ethiopian refugees, who have already suffered immensely and find themselves stuck in this horrific situation. Immediate and concerted action is needed to avert further catastrophes. Recent reports from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) document the displacement of 14,000 to 15,000 Ethiopian refugees from Madani Al Kubra in Gedarif, highlighting the severity of the crisis. With over 70,000 Tigrayan refugees in Gedarif, the conflict poses an imminent threat to their safety. as the battles encroach on the Gedarif. To make matters worse, significant international humanitarian groups are withdrawing from the camps and suspending essential aid delivery, furthering the exacerbation of the vulnerability of refugees. Now, exposing many refugees to the risks of human trafficking, sexual violence, and various human rights abuses. The Tigray Association in Sudan has highlighted the economic crisis and limited access to humanitarian aid for Tigrayan refugees in Sudan. Given the gravity of the situation in Sudan, I urgently appeal to you to address the critical situation faced by Ethiopian refugees, particularly those from Tigray. The recent surge in military activities, marked by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) taking control of Wad Madani, escalates the dangers faced by these refugees and the need to take the following actions now. Actions Needed: 1. International Intervention:    - Urge international organizations and the global community to intervene swiftly and decisively to address Sudan's escalating dangers. Engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further harm to civilians. 2. Protection of Refugee Rights:    - Call for the protection of the rights of Tigrayan refugees under international refugee law. Adequate measures must be taken to ensure their safety and well-being. Ensure the safety of refugees, providing them with secure relocation options and necessary humanitarian aid. 3. Safe Passage Back to Ethiopia:    - Demand immediate efforts to ensure the safe passage of Tigrayan refugees back to Ethiopia. Access should be granted to host countries to facilitate this return, in accordance with Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention. 4. Humanitarian Aid Resumption:    - Call for the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid services to the refugees, ensuring access to essential resources such as food, shelter, and medical assistance. Mobilize resources and support to aid organizations on the ground, enabling them to respond effectively to the escalating humanitarian crisis. We implore you to take immediate action to address this dire situation in Sudan and prevent further harm to the Tigrayan refugee population. Time is of the essence, and the international community must unite to protect the lives and rights of those in need.

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