UNHCR Chief praises Ethiopia for keeping its doors open to refugees, asylum seekers

Addis Ababa, January 31, 2024 (FBC) – Since mid-April 2023, over 20,000 Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers have crossed the Ethiopian border at Kurmuk in search of safety and stability.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a delegation fed by the Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) Teyiba Hassen and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi toured the emergency site under RRS Asossa Operation where the refugees and asylum seekers are being sheltered.

On the spot, the delegation engaged in discussions with representatives who highlighted the challenges refugees and asylum seekers are facing. The Sudan emergency is severely underfunded on a global scale and requires more support as we speak.

Expressing their gratitude, the representatives stated: “We are thankful to Ethiopia for graciously hosting us amidst our dire situation.” “Hadn’t it been for the generosity of Ethiopians, our circumstances would have been far worse,” they said.

Having heard the stories of the refugees, High Commissioner Filippo Grandi expressed deep concern on the situation in Sudan and vowed to do what it takes in his Commission’s capacity to support the people in need.

Filippo said: “Thanks goes to Ethiopia for its shining example of hosting nearly a million refugees and asylum seekers despite challenges within. We also thank the regional government for allotting land for relocation.”

Filippo has got first-hand account of Ethiopia’s open border at Kurmuk for people who desperately wish to ender its hinterland escaping the conflict in Sudan.

By the same token, RRS Director General Teyiba Hassen affirmed that efforts are underway in collaboration with partners to relocate the refugees and asylum seekers and avert the challenging situation sooner or later.

The DG said: “It’s heart-breaking to see women and the elderly, particularly children suffer this much due to misunderstandings between the parties to the conflict back home.”

“Our people and government are committed to share what they’ve to the people of Sudan as we’ve a lot of commonalities to cherish beyond neighborliness,” she noted.

After the visit to Kurmuk, the team met with Chief Administrator of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ashadli Hassen where he highlighted that it is the deep-rooted tradition of Ethiopians to lend hands for those in need.

Following their discussion, Teyiba and Filippo have thanked the federal and regional governments for graciously hosting those who seek safety and stability.

The visiting team to Kurmuk emergency site comprised of officials from Benishangul-Gumuz Region, RRS and UNHCR.