The African Union (AU) has raised concerns about reports that some Africans stranded at the Ukraine side of the border are being refused the right to cross into safety.
The reports, according AU, come as a shock and would be considered racist and a breach of international laws.
The borders of Ukraine has been congested as many are fleeing the country following its invasion by Russian forces sine Thursday.
“The current Chair of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, HE Macky Sall, and the Chairperson o the African Union Commission, HE Moussa Faki Mahamat, are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety,” a statement issued by the AU on Monday, February 28 said.
“The two Chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.”
The AU has urged all countries to respect international law and show the “same empathy and support to al people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity”.
HE President Sall and Mahamat commended efforts by the AU member states and their embassies in neighbouring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families.
Meanwhile, talks in Minsk, Belarus to find a lasting peace is likely to enter Day 2.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|editors.3news.com|Ghana
