US steps in amid reports on mistreatment of African students in Ukraine

WASHINGTON - The United States has now called for equal treatment of thousands of people fleeing from Ukraine following Russia's invasion which has left thousands of people dead and millions displaced from the European nation.

Russia has heightened attacks against Ukraine over a border dispute and alleged support for separatists in Eastern Ukraine, with the world now ganging against President Vladimir Putin, who is being labeled a "warmonger" by several countries.

In a statement, Molly Phee, the Assistant Secretary of State on African Affairs, said all countries should receive fleeing refugees without conditions. According to her, the US is coordinating issues with United Nations to ensure fair treatment.

"The United States is coordinating with UN agencies and other governments to ensure every individual, including African students, crossing from Ukraine to seek refuge is treated equally - regardless of race, religion, or nationality," she noted.

The concerns come amid reports that several African students were being blocked from leaving Ukraine by authorities in Kyiv. Videos circulating online showed Ukrainian police blocking black people from boarding trains.

Senator Jim Risch, a high-ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee backed the statement from the Bureau of African affairs, noting that the safety of non-Ukrainians should be taken seriously as the world looks for a solution.

"Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced many people to flee to neighboring countries. Among those facing difficulty reaching and crossing Ukraine's borders to safety are thousands of African students and other non-Ukrainians. All seeking refuge should be given equal treatment," he added.

"If you're not outraged and disturbed by reports of African and Black residents in Ukraine being prevented from escaping and denied entry into neighboring countries then you genuinely don't care about the humane plight of refugees, you care about war to settle geopolitical scores," noted Ayman Mohamed.

There is no exact record of the number of Somali students in Ukraine but the number is estimated to be around 300. Somalia wrote to several countries neighboring Ukraine asking them to assist students and refugees running from the war-torn nation.

GAROWE ONLINE