From: Biniam Haile \(SWE\) (eritrea.lave@comhem.se)
Date: Thu Jan 08 2009 - 15:09:47 EST
8-01-2009 News release 09/06
Eritrea/Ethiopia: 1,766 people repatriated in 2008
Addis Ababa/ Asmara (ICRC) – In 2008, 1,714 persons were repatriated
from Eritrea to Ethiopia, including 56 minors, in a number of
repatriation operations under the auspices of the International
Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
In the same operations, 52 civilians, including 22 minors, were
repatriated from Ethiopia to Eritrea.
Acting in its capacity as a neutral and independent intermediary, the
ICRC carried out these repatriations based on the consent of each
individual and with the cooperation of the authorities. ICRC delegates
based in Eritrea – in cooperation with the Eritrean Red Cross -
accompanied the civilians going to Ethiopia on the first part of their
journey from Asmara, Eritrea's capital, to the border. At the crossing
point at Mereb River, located between the towns of Adi Quala in Eritrea
and Rama in Ethiopia, the group was met by ICRC delegates based in
Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, before being placed in the
care of the Ethiopian authorities.
Likewise, ICRC delegates based in Ethiopia accompanied the civilians
going to Eritrea to the border, where they were met by ICRC delegates
based in Eritrea, before being placed in the care of the Eritrean
authorities.
The ICRC has assisted people affected by the 1998-2000 armed conflict
between Ethiopia and Eritrea regarding their repatriation since June
2000 and strives to ensure compliance with the rules and principles of
International Humanitarian Law; in particular, the Geneva Conventions of
1949.
For further information, please contact:
Mulan Giovannini, ICRC Asmara, tel: +2911 181 164
Patrick Mégevand, ICRC Addis Ababa, tel: +251 91 148 0921
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