HRC49: Oral statement on the situation of human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia

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, Mr President.

CSW welcomes this interactive dialogue and the Council’s focus on the ongoing crisis.

We also welcome the appointment of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia.

Among the litany of violations perpetrated since the war began in November 2020, CSW wishes to highlight concerns surrounding the right to freedom of religion or belief.

Churches, mosques, and other religious establishments have been deliberately targeted and destroyed in a manner which may amount to a war crime.

Further violations include clergy and worshipers dying in significant numbers in attacks timed to coincide with services, and extensive looting of irreplaceable ancient religious artefacts and manuscripts in a seeming campaign of cultural cleansing.

This is a catastrophic loss, both for Tigray and for world heritage. There are now concerning reports of looted sacred items appearing for sale on websites, including eBay, for a pittance.

As the siege of Tigray continues, amid news of mounting deaths from starvation and lack of medicines, CSW urges this Council to act swiftly to ensure the immediate cessation of hostilities, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the convening of a truly inclusive national dialogue.

We also encourage all UN Member States to urgently consider imposing sanctions on the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, who bear ultimate responsibility for the violations committed with impunity by their respective forces.

Thank you.