A coalition of Tigrayan Civil Society organizations has issued an urgent call for action to safeguard tens of thousands of Tigrayan refugees currently in Sudan. The plea comes as ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) places these refugees in imminent danger. These refugees fled from identity based persecution, international humanitarian and international human rights violations, and international crimes

The organizations highlight that over eighty thousand Tigrayans, residing in camps such as Um-Rakuba and Tunaydbah, are at risk of becoming casualties of the conflict. The recent evacuation of humanitarian aid workers due to the fighting has exacerbated the crisis, leaving refugees without access to essential services.

In a coordinated statement, the Tigrayan Civil Society groups have outlined several urgent appeals:

– They urge the Federal Government of Ethiopia to ensure the safe and voluntary repatriation of Tigrayan refugees, emphasizing the need for protection and dignified treatment upon their return.

– They call on the Tigray Interim Regional Administration to collaborate with federal and international bodies to support the repatriation and security of returnee refugees.

– They appeal to the Sudanese Armed Forces (Sudanese Armed Forces) to avoid targeting refugee camps and ensure the safety of civilians during military operations.

– They implore the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to cease hostilities near refugee camps and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

– They request the AU Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (MVCM) to enforce the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement with a focus on refugee safety.

– They call on the international community, including the U.S., the E.U., and Canada, to pressure the warring parties to protect Tigrayan refugees and support their relocation to safer areas.

– They appeal to international organizations like UNHCR, IOM, UNOCHA, and OHCHR to enhance their efforts to protect and aid the refugees.

The statement is cosigned by:

Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (Coalition of 124 CSOs in Tigray)
Arya Women and Children Charitable Organization
Chain of Love for Human and Environmental Development
Dekna Foundation
Egbet Aid Association on Intellectual Disabilities
EOC-DICAC/RRAD
Gorzo – A Movement to Empower Women
Heal our People
Hope Civil Society Organization
Human Right First
Human Rights in Action – Ethiopia
Irob Anina Civil Society
Legacy Tigray
Miknay Development Association
Nolawi Women and Children Recovery and Development Organization
Organization for Social Services, Health and Development
Peace and Justice for Tigreans International
Rise and Shine Women Empowerment Center
Rise Up For Tigray

ROAD-W
Sustainable Technology Solutions (STS)
Tesfa Hiwot HIV Positive Women Association of Tigray
Tigray Action Committee
Tsilal Western Tigray Civil Society
Tigray Youth Network
Solidarity of Tigrayans for Independence and Liberty
Safer Ethiopia
Sunrise Relief Organization
Voice for Democracy and Social Justice
Yikhono A Movement Against Gender Based Violence

The coalition stresses that immediate and decisive action is essential to prevent a humanitarian disaster and uphold the rights and safety of Tigrayan refugees. The international community is urged not to turn a blind eye to this crisis, with collective efforts needed to avert further harm and ensure the well-being of Tigrayan refugees in Sudan.