Eritrean Refugees Situation - Essay Example

Another major development was the announcement by neighboring Ethiopia to completely disregard UNO. The vested interest of the world powers was in supporting the actions of Ethiopia therefore the voice of Eritrea received no attention. The war of liberation against Ethiopia started which lasted for 30 years. The former USSR was also involved in the war when the Ethiopian regime was changed in 1974. The situation further deteriorated in 1984 due to famine. In 1991 Eritrean People's Liberation Front defeated the Ethiopian army and formed a government.

During the war of liberation, the first wave of refugees fled to Sudan in the 1950s when the USA assisted Ethiopia. The second wave again fled to Sudan in 1974 when the former USSR started its assistance to the changed regime in Ethiopia. The last major movement was in 1984 when famine forced the Eritrean population to leave their homeland. The flow of refugees is still on due to the oppressive policies of the current Eritrean government. The majority of such refugees take shelter in neighboring Ethiopia.

Eritrean refugees have taken shelter in different countries. The majority of them are in Sudan but they are also taking shelter in Libya, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Along with them, there are IDPs also within the border of Eritrea. The condition of all these refugees and IDPs is a big challenge for humanity. The reports of torture, rape, and exploitation are numerous but do not reach mainstream media.

Eritrean refugees are facing multiple problems. In the field of education, the majority of UN-funded schools are overcrowded, lacking the necessities of school, and the majority of the schools are held under trees or abandoned buildings. Similarly in the field of health, the situation is even more alarming. All the maternity cases are dealt with in the camp inside tents without any doctor, medicine, or hygiene. Special cards are issued to the refugees but due to the non-availability of clinics, the facility is meaningless. Malaria and polio are very common in the camps. The situation of food is also depressing. Once a month food is distributed but supplies are normally short. IDPs have to walk for a whole day to get the food item. To rehabilitate the population one year's supply is given to them but there is no training for the population to earn a livelihood. Related to food is the issue of water. The supply of water was severely disturbed due to famine. At the camps, water is either available by pump or is delivered by trucks once a month. Due to this diseases are common and refugees are suffering. Last but not least is the issue of landmines. The widespread landmines are a major factor in stopping Eritreans from going back home. The issue needs special attention but unfortunately, the world community is paying no heed to the issue.

Eritrean people are looking to the outside world for help. They are oppressed at home by their government and outside by neighboring countries. Major Powers of the world are busy securing their interests. The situation of the Eritrean refugees called for resolute help from the world community. The bleak situation can only be changed if the world is ready to help the Eritrean community sincerely.