ICRC repatriates 47 Eritrean Civilians
04-07-2006 News Release
The following was issued as a press release by the ICRC delegation in Addis Ababa on 4 July 2006.
Addis Ababa (ICRC) - On 30 June 2006, 47 Eritrean civilians were repatriated from Ethiopia to Eritrea under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The group crossed the border at the Mereb River bridge, located between the towns of Adi Quala in Eritrea, and Rama in Ethiopia. Amongst those repatriated were 15 children and 1 medical case, who could join their families in Eritrea.
Acting in its capacity as a neutral and independent intermediary, the ICRC carried out this repatriation with the cooperation of the authorities. ICRC delegates based in Ethiopia accompanied the Eritrean civilians to the border where the group was met by ICRC delegates based in Eritrea, before being placed in the care of the Eritrean authorities.
The ICRC assists people affected by the recent 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.
For further information, please contact:
Patrick Mégevand, ICRC communication coordinator
(+251) 11 551 83 66 or (+251) 91 148 0921