Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you, Madame President.

Since war began in Ethiopia’s Tigray region last November over 52,000 people have died, and an estimated 1.7 million have been displaced internally. There are worrying indications atrocity crimes may have occurred and could still be underway, in addition to ongoing gross violations of humanitarian law.

We remain deeply concerned by reports of mass rape and starvation being used as weapons of war, of the targeting of Tigray’s religious and cultural heritage, and the dire humanitarian situation, with millions on the brink of famine, a de facto siege, and deaths already occurring.  We are further troubled by recent reports of thousands of Eritrean forces, possibly including conscripted minors, entering the Amhara region.

Successive international calls and regional proposals to secure a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Eritrean troops and unhindered humanitarian access have gone unheeded, despite the grave ramifications of a war which poses an existential threat to Ethiopia and to regional peace and security.

CSW urges the international community to act swiftly. The imposition of an arms embargo on all identified warring parties and the facilitation of an inclusive national dialogue could be important initial steps.

Madame President, we welcome today’s update and look forward to the findings of the joint investigation final report. However, while partnering with a Commission financed and appointed by one of the main protagonists may ensure access, there are legitimate residual concerns, given the mistreatment and intimidation endured by several Ethiopian journalists who reported objectively. We therefore encourage this Council to consider mandating a fully independent inquiry into the ongoing human rights violations.

Thank you.