Updated: Ethiopians hunger strike against Norwegian asylum policy

Demonstrants in Stavanger
©2011 Michael Sandelson/The Foreigner

Source:  The foreigner, 8th February 2011
OSLO/STAVANGER: Ethiopian Asylum Seekers are on hunger strike at Oslo Cathedral protesting against the UDI’s (Norwegian Immigration Bureau) handling of their cases.
Appeal

Close to a hundred Ethiopians defied the cold, snowy weather to take part in a demonstration, yesterday, chanting ‘justice’ in front of the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget). They gathered in a bid to get the attention of the government for a better asylum rights and fair handling of their asylum cases.

The hunger strike coordinators told The Foreigner Ethiopian asylum seekers’ cases are evaluated unfairly.

“They are not being seen properly. Even if we are not granted a residence permit, we were allowed to work, but now that has become impossible. The tax office has stopped issuing us tax papers. So we are forced to live in the street,” said an anonymous Ethiopian asylum seeker.

After handing over a letter of appeal to the Norwegian Parliament, the demonstrators marched on to the cathedral, where they started the hunger strike. Church authorities decided to close the building for other visitors when they learnt the refugees were determined not to leave.

Vigil

Demonstrators claim they will be prosecuted and their lives are at risk if they return to their homeland. Solomon Zegeye, representing the asylum seekers, told reporters at the cathedral it is not safe for them to return home, alleging the Ethiopian government intimidates and tortures opposition members.

“Our country is under the dictatorship of Meles Zenawi. We are here in Norway because we fear for our lives as our government is not a democratic one”, he said.

Close to 40 Ethiopians also gathered outside the cathedral and held a vigil with candles to show their solidarity with their fellow brothers and sisters. Some banners held by supporters read, “We are not criminals”, “Norway should respect UN conventions”, “We demand justice”.

Church authorities say they are worried about the situation and are still working on a possible solution. Head of the cathedral Olav Dag Hauge hopes the hunger strike come to an end soon. He said the church is not sufficiently equipped to house all the demonstrators, with unfavorable conditions.

“We understand that the situation inside our church is quite serious as we have families with small children involved. We are contacting organizations that can help in this kind of extraordinary situation.”
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