Ethiopian Migrants Face Shocking Massacre at Yemen-Saudi Border: A Heinous Human Rights Violation
In a shocking display of human rights violation, hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers lost their lives while attempting to cross the Yemen-Saudi border between March 2022 and June 2023. According to a recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), the systematic abuses against Ethiopians at the hands of Saudi border guards may constitute crimes against humanity.
One harrowing account comes from 14-year-old Hamdiya, who was part of a group of 60 people trying to cross the border when she heard gunfire. Witnessing the massacre unfold before her eyes, she recalled, I saw 30 people killed on the spot. The memory of the lifeless bodies surrounding her continues to haunt her.
Hamdiya is now in the Yemeni capital, Sana’a, having survived the attack with the help of fellow migrants. However, the psychological scars she carries make it impossible for her to sleep soundly at night. I can’t sleep now. During the night I am so scared. I prefer people to stay awake and talk to me, she shared.
HRW’s investigation reveals that these killings are not isolated incidents but on a vast scale. Interviews with survivors and witnesses indicate that out of 1,278 migrants attempting 11 crossings, at least 655 lost their lives. However, the true death toll is likely to be much higher due to the difficulty of obtaining accurate figures in such an inaccessible area.
According to the report, Saudi border guards have used explosive weapons to kill migrants, including women and children, at close range. Shockingly, migrants have been asked by these guards to choose the part of their body to shoot before being fired upon. Furthermore, those attempting to flee back to Yemen have been targeted with explosive weaponry.
All of this unfolds against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s attempts to divert attention from its abysmal human rights record. The country has invested billions of dollars in hosting major entertainment, cultural, and sporting events. This stark contrast highlights the extent of the atrocities being committed at the Yemen-Saudi border.
The route from Somalia to Yemen and then into Saudi Arabia is notorious for its dangers. Many Ethiopians undertake this perilous journey in search of a better life, driven by the devastating conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and socio-economic reasons. An estimated 90% of the migrants on this route are Ethiopian, with approximately 750,000 of them living and working in Saudi Arabia.
Nadia Hardman, a researcher at HRW, draws attention to the fact that there is a well-established smuggling and trafficking network, providing false promises of job opportunities in Saudi Arabia. These opportunities do exist, but the risk migrants face along this route is unimaginable. It’s always been understood that this is an extremely dangerous route, but I don’t think people are aware of the level of brutality and the extent of the deaths, Hardman stated.
Superficially, the blame can be placed on the Saudi border police, but the Houthi armed group in Yemen also contributes to the abuses. Migrants detained by the Houthis experience horrific conditions and are subjected to torture. The armed group often extorts bribes from them until they can pay an exit fee.
HRW’s findings are corroborated by visual evidence and the accounts of the migrants have been cross-checked with the Independent Forensic Expert Group of the International Rehabilitation Council for Victims of Torture. The sheer guilt felt by survivors who were unable to save their fellow migrants is palpable. They vividly recall the pleas of those dying around them, their voices echoing through their memories.
The situation at the Yemen-Saudi border is a humanitarian crisis of colossal proportions that demands immediate attention and action. The international community must rally to hold those responsible accountable and put an end to these grave human rights violations. The plight of Ethiopian migrants cannot be overlooked any longer, and justice must prevail.
Disclaimer: This article was written by an AI language model. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, the article should not replace professional advice or be used for decision-making purposes.
