The task force against forced repatriation hereby issues its official statement disapproving and distancing itself from the article entitled `we are moving in the right direction` and posted on Ethiomedia.com. The article has made some reference to the task force and its member and created confusion and misunderstanding regarding the task force since. It has apparently assigned a political dimension and meaning to the task force. This is totally misleading and uncalled for since the task force has the clear and well defined mandate of humanitarian nature. Its mission is to support those to be affected and work towards achieving a halt or suspension of the forced repatriation of rejected asylum seekers to Ethiopia.
The task force against forced repatriation is formed in response to the emergency like situation which resulted from the signing of the memorandum of understanding between Norway and the regime of Meles Zenawi. The Norwegian government has made it clear that the memorandum of understanding provides for the forced repatriation of rejected asylum seekers who fail to use the offer of voluntary repatriation which will last until March 15, 2012. The common crisis, mobilization and urgency brought together communities/political groups and individuals to form this common task force.
The mission and responsibilities of the task force are clearly outlined and communicated to the public. It is apolitical, impartial and focuses on the immediate task of working against the enforcement of forced repatriation to Ethiopia, defending the rights of and supporting those to be affected by the agreement. The article referred to above does not advance and help the cause of the asylum seekers facing forced repatriation. The members of the task force believe that those who wrote this article have shown recklessness concerning the task force and its mission. Thus, the task force would like to reiterate to all readers that it does not endorse the article, does not share the views referring to its executive member ato Saketa Etefa and distances itself from it. We also call on all to support us and the asylum seekers in danger of facing deportation, in our challenging and demanding tasks.
The Task force against forced repatriation to Ethiopia
Oslo, Norway. March 1, 2012
