Update on Eritrean Refugees in Ethiopia

[Source: EritreanRefugees.org]

130 Eritrean Refugees Will Be Relocated from Ethiopia to 3^rd Countries on Monday, September 6^th, 2010

The total number of Eritrean refugees who have crossed to Ethiopia through August 31, 2010 is 51,718 and those remaining in the country are now located in five refugee camps: three in Tigray and two in Afar Region.  On average, 1,800 cross the border from Eritrea each month.  About 45% have been ex-Eritrean soldiers.

The relocation of Eritrean refugees to 3^rd countries is still continuing.  According to the Ethiopian Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), 5,822 Eritrean refugees were relocated to 3^rd countries between 2006 and 2009.

The role that the Ethiopian Government has played in paving the way for relocation of the refugees is very significant.  In 2010, thanks to these efforts, 1,458 including today’s people, will have been resettled in a third country.

ARRA prepared a big send-off celebration for today’s group. 

................................................................................. 

12 Eritrean Refugees Arrive in Addis Ababa from Egypt Where They Were Kept in Detention

Today, September 3, 2010, twelve Eritrean refugees, who had been in jail for 2 – 17 months in Egypt, arrived in Addis Ababa.  Seven of the group are former Eritrean soldiers, and three are women. 

Upon their arrival, they were welcomed by ARRA, and after receiving first aid and medication, the refugees proceeded to the camps.

The total number of Eritrean refugees that have come to Ethiopia from Egypt is now 1,637.

In the month of August, 2010, the numbers of Eritrean refugees who came to Ethiopia from Egypt are as follows: