Staff Reporter
ALL people have the right to cross international borders during conflict and should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in war-ridden Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.
Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment are shockingly racist and in breach of international law.
This was the urgent message in a statement released by the African Union (AU).
The current Chair of the AU and President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, said they are closely following 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.
The Chairpersons urged all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.
The Chairpersons commended the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighbouring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to safety.
