Refugees International condemns the Ethiopian government’s expulsion of key UN leaders

Please see below statement from Refugees International Vice President for Programs and Policy Hardin Lang:

Refugees International condemns the Ethiopian government’s decision to expel key UN staff from the country, leaving key posts vacant during a time of crisis.

The ongoing conflict in Tigray has already pushed some 900,000 people into famine with deaths now being reported regularly. The government’s humanitarian blockade is causing this famine, stopping food and medicine from reaching those in need, including women, children, and elderly, who are disproportionately affected by the famine.

Kicking out senior UN leaders will only make the crisis worse. Violence and hunger are also now spreading to other parts of Ethiopia, including Amhara and Afar regions. It is time for the United States and other members of the UN Security Council along with the African Union to challenge Ethiopia to end the aid blockade, and ensure that relief reaches those in need.

Source: Refugees International