UN draws up action plan ahead of demarcation

The UN says it has drawn up an “action plan” for the impending demarcation of the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Some 55 experts from the UN in both countries met in the Eritrean capital Asmara this week to discuss the potential consequences and implications of the independent border ruling. Demarcation of the 1,000 km border between Ethiopia and Eritrea is expected to begin in July. But concern has been raised that the move could lead to tension as territory is transferred between the countries. In particular the now symbolic village of Badme – where the war flared up and which is currently administered by Ethiopia – belongs to Eritrea, according to the border ruling. Villagers in west Tigray have warned they are prepared to prevent the pillar sites being laid along the new boundary. In a statement, the UN Country Teams said their talks focused on “humanitarian, legal and human rights issues” affecting the populations of both countries. They also addressed the implications of demarcation on families living inside and outside camps or with host communities in both countries. Both teams also looked at how to boost the response of the international community to the current drought that has hit some 15 million people in both countries.