By Ebi Kesiena
A senior official from Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees to treat them with dignity and respect.
Babiker Al-Siddiq, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the Sudanese government is in communication with neighboring countries hosting Sudanese refugees displaced by the ongoing conflict.
According to Al-Siddiq, althgough host countries have the right to impose their own restrictions and conditions on receiving refugees, he moved for the importance of humane treatment for those seeking refuge.
Responding to an inquiry from Radio Tamazuj about the conditions of Sudanese refugees in various countries, including those stranded in an Ethiopian forest, Al-Siddiq highlighted a recent incident in early May. Approximately 6,000 Sudanese refugees were stranded in an Ethiopian forest after the Ethiopian government prevented them from leaving its territory while attempting to return to Sudan on foot.
“The issue of Sudanese refugees and migrants has remained a priority for the Sudanese government,” Al-Siddiq stated.
He however confirmed that they have requested neighboring countries to facilitate visa issuance and entry procedures.
“It is the sovereign right of any country to impose its own restrictions on the process of receiving migrants.”
Furthermore, Al-Siddiq stated that international laws and norms prohibit the return of refugees whose lives are at risk.
He urged the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other UN agencies to take a more active role in addressing the conditions of Sudanese refugees while respecting the laws and regulations of each host country.
Meanwhile, he criticized the current efforts of the UNHCR and the UN as insufficient in addressing the challenges faced by Sudanese refugees.
Since mid-April 2023, more than 8.8 million people have fled their homes due to fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
