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Criticism comes after report by Telegraph that thousands of Ethiopian migrants were locked up to stop spread of Covid-19
The European Parliament condemned Saudi Arabia for holding tens of thousands of Ethiopian migrants in cramped detention camps where many are reportedly dying of heatstroke, disease, or by suicide.
The European body said in a statement on Thursday that it “strongly condemns the ongoing ill-treatment of Ethiopian migrants and the violations of their human rights in Saudi Arabia, notably in detention centres”.
The measure was voted through by a large majority, with 413 votes in favour and 49 against, and 233 abstentions.
“MEPs urge the Saudi authorities to immediately release all these detainees, prioritising those in the most vulnerable situations, including women and children.
“The Saudi side must also ensure that every person entering the country from neighbouring war-torn Yemen is allowed to do so safely and is transferred to an appropriate reception centre that meets international standards.”
