Gumii Paarlaamaa Oromoo (GPO)

Oromo Parliamentarians Council (OPC)

Monday, October 31, 2011

Oromo refugees in Somaliland report major security issues. Six Oromo refugees were recently abducted by Somaliland officials and handed over to Ethiopian officials. There is concern that the refugees are being refouled to Ethiopia, including two who have UNHCR mandates.

Two Oromo refugees abducted the night of October 27th, 2011 include:

i. Mr Riyad Sheikh Mohammed (or Riyad Ahmed Hussien)

Mr Riyad is a UNHCR mandate holder who was refouled in 2007. After being detained for one year by Ethiopia, Mr Riyad returned to Somaliland. During the previous incident, Mr Riyad lost his wife so his two children have no one to watch over them at this time.

ii. Mr Sheikh Abdurahman - Asylum seeker without mandate

Oromo refugees have also reported attack by knife resulting in numerous injuries. Among those injured include two unknown Oromo refugees who sustained severe knife injuries.  

Another Oromo refugee (Mr Jamaal) was stabbed in the chest and had to be taken to the hospital.

ACTION REQUIRED:

Please contact UNHCR and Amnesty International to advocate for detained refugees. Urge the UNHCR to demand Somaliland and Ethiopian governments end practice of abducting refugees and refoulment.