Asylum seekers and refugees are leaving Ethiopia and going to Somaliland in search of safety from persecution and violence. However, according to Human Rights Watch, Somaliland authorities have returned some Ethiopian asylum seekers back to Ethiopia. This violates international law as refugees have the right to have their situation assessed before they are sent back. If they face persecution, torture or life threatening situations in their native country, they cannot be sent back.
Somaliland has violated this international agreement as Human Rights Watch claims that government authorities have sent back at least fifteen asylum seekers and have forced thousands of refugees out of the country. Human Rights Watch also has evidence that refugees who were returned have been detained in Ethiopia and most likely tortured.
Tell the government of Somaliland that violating international law is unacceptable and that sending refugees back to be tortured and imprisoned is wrong.
We the undersigned demand that the government of Somaliland cease sending refugees and asylum seekers back to Ethiopia. These asylum seekers face torture and persecution if they go back to their country and they must be protected. By forcing them back to Ethiopia, the government of Somaliland is breaking international law.
We ask that the Honourable President of Somaliland have compassion on those fleeing violence and death in their own countries by accepting asylum seekers into Somaliland. By supporting these refugees, the government of Somaliland will show the world that they support international law and justice. This will be a positive step towards Somaliland being accepted and recognized as a separate and legitimate country by the international community.
Thank you.
