Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (African Boulevard News) – One year after an agreement brought peace to the Tigray region, fighting and atrocities against civilians continue in northern Ethiopia, Human Rights Watch (HRW) deplored on Thursday, calling on the Ethiopian government and international community to take urgent action.
The Tigray conflict, which erupted in November 2020 between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), has caused widespread suffering and displacement. Despite the signing of a ceasefire agreement in November 2021, the situation in the region remains volatile, with ongoing violence and violations of human rights.
According to a report released by HRW, civilians in Tigray continue to face arbitrary arrests, torture, sexual violence, and summary executions. The organization has documented numerous cases of targeted killings, looting, and destruction of property by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, as well as reprisal attacks by Tigrayan militias.
Sarah Jackson, Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn, and the Great Lakes at HRW, expressed concern over the lack of accountability for these crimes. She said, “One year after the peace agreement, civilians in Tigray are still bearing the brunt of this crisis. The Ethiopian government must take immediate steps to protect civilians and hold those responsible for the atrocities accountable.”
The humanitarian situation in Tigray remains dire, with an estimated 5.2 million people in need of assistance. The conflict has disrupted the delivery of essential services, including healthcare, food, and clean water. Humanitarian organizations have faced significant challenges in accessing affected areas, limiting their ability to provide aid to those in need.
International organizations and foreign governments have called for immediate action to address the crisis in Tigray. The United Nations has warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if the situation does not improve. The international community must increase its support for humanitarian efforts and exert pressure on all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and respect for human rights.
In response to the HRW report, the Ethiopian government has reiterated its commitment to investigating allegations of human rights abuses and holding perpetrators accountable. However, concrete actions and progress in this regard remain to be seen.
As the conflict in Tigray enters its second year, it is crucial that all parties prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians. The international community must continue to shine a spotlight on the ongoing crisis and put pressure on the Ethiopian government to take immediate action to protect its citizens. Only through a concerted effort can peace and stability be restored in Tigray, allowing its people to rebuild their lives and communities.
URLs:
https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/02/one-year-after-peace-in-tigray-civilians-still-victims-of-crises-in-ethiopia-says-hrw/
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