Sudanese refugees stranded in Olala forests, Ethiopia

Thousands of Sudanese refugees are currently stranded in the Olala forests in Northern Ethiopia after a collective walk-out from the Olala UN camp. This was after repeated pleas to the UNHCR and Ethiopian government demanding protection due to the inhumane conditions at the camp. The instability of the region due to the existing violent tensions deemed the refugees at risk for repeated assaults, looting and harassment by local militiamen.

Contacts from the camp confirmed the unavailability of basic needs like food, water, proper shelter and most importantly, safety, since their arrival on the 1st of May.

6,080 refugees are now stranded in the forests, undergoing a mass hunger strike in a desperate bid to draw international attention to their plight.

The situation is growing bleaker by the second, with many of the refugees, including vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women, facing severe health risks.

“We are living in a literal ditch, w/nothing to cover ourselves.

We have been here since May 1, and not a soul has asked about us. There are women and children here. A woman gave birth here yesterday.

We just want the world to see us as human beings.

Where is the humanity?” - source: @bsonblast

As thousands continue to suffer and as UN organisations continue to ignore their calls, we need to take matters into our own hands and extend a helping hand. This fundraiser will directly assist refugees in the Olala forests by transferring your contributions to help them access basic needs.

However, the security of the refugees and the need to provide humane conditions stands as a responsibility of the UNHCR, Ethiopian officials and other INGOs. We need to be their voice and keep advocating until they're heard.

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