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The UN wants access to Tigray to investigate war crimes

To allow observers to enter Tigray he asked Ethiopia the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate reports of killings and sexual violence that could amount to war crimes in the northern region by the end of 2020.

“Victims and survivors of these violations “They must not be deprived of their rights to truth and justice,” said Bachelet, expressing her fear that the violations could continue if there is impunity.

Clashes between Prime Minister Abi Ahmed’s federal troops and forces of the region’s former ruling People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) party have killed thousands, displaced hundreds of thousands and displaced hundreds more. broadcasts AMPE.

Until this month, the mountainous region of about five million people, which has a long history of conflict including a war with neighboring Eritrea, was inaccessible to the media since the war began in early November.

Relief services are also struggling to gain access, while telecommunications are operating sporadically.

“Serious violations of international law, which possibly equivalent to war crimes and crimes against humanity, “They have been committed by many actors in the conflict,” said Bachelet, who referred to the Ethiopian army, the TPLF, the Eritrean army and troops and paramilitaries from the neighboring Amhara region.

With eyewitness accounts of atrocities, including rape, των looting and of slaughterhouses reported by refugees and others, the warring parties have repeatedly blamed the other side.

Abby declared victory when the TPLF left the regional capital Meckele at the end of November. But low-level fighting continued in some areas, according to Tigray residents.

“Very sad reports of sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, widespread destruction and looting of public and private property from all parts of the country continue to reach us, as well as reports of ongoing fighting in central Tigray in particular,” Batchelet said.

Isaiah Afwerki’s government in Asmara has in the past denied any involvement, while the Abi government in Addis Ababa has repeatedly said it is restoring law and order and will investigate allegations of abuse.

“The Ethiopian government takes very seriously its responsibility for the protection, security and prosperity of all Ethiopian citizens,” the foreign ministry said in a statement on February 28.

“That is why he is fully committed to conducting a thorough investigation to the root of the issue and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

According to Bachelet, at least 136 rape cases have been reported to hospitals in eastern Tigray between December and January, and there are indications that there are many more that have not been recorded.

“Reliable sources have told us about killing of eight protesters by the security forces between 9 and 10 February in Antigrat, Meckele, Sire and Oukro “, the statement added.

Shots were fired indiscriminately in Meckele, Umera and Antigrat in November, with mass killings reported in Axum and Dengelat, the head of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

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