10 Ethiopians start hunger-strike in Norway
By Girmay Berhe
March 28, 2004

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SVOLVÆR, Norway (March 28) - Ten Ethiopian asylum seekers began a hunger strike today Sunday March 28 in this Norwegian town to protest against the UDI (Utlendingsdirektoratet) decision which forces them to vacate their camp within two weeks if they are not willing for deportation. Nine men and one woman are staging a sit-in protest inside the church of Svolvår in Vågan kommune.

They appear determined and are saying they will only end their hunger strike if only the decisions are reversed. They intend to continue for as long as it takes. They are giving a clear message that they have made a decision and will stick to it!

Many more are Ethiopian asylum seekers who have received to leave the camps are considering joining the hunger strike.

Last month around 150 other Ethiopians staged a demonstration in the capital Oslo to demand fair decision for asylum applicants. This morning, UEDF support Committee in Norway established contact with Norwegian media to explain the situation.

(Details will follow)