UN: Fears of ‘generalized violence’ in Ethiopia

LAST UPDATE: 18:00

All sides in the deepening conflict in Ethiopia’s northern region are committing “serious human rights abuses,” the United Nations said today, urging all sides not to continue the war, as the country “is in danger of sinking into a general climate.” violence “with major consequences for the region.

An estimated 5,000 to 7,000 people are being held, including nine UN staff members, in the “too broad” state of emergency declared by the government last month, said Nanda al-Nassif, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“I also deplore the increase in hate speech and incitement to violence by federal and regional authorities, as well as by public figures, particularly targeting the people of Tigray and members of the Oromo community,” he told a special Council meeting. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva.

At this meeting, which the European Union called for earlier this week, the 47 member states of the Council will consider proposing researchers to look into possible human rights abuses in the context of the war.

Speaking at the start of the talks, Nanda al-Nassif said the UN services “continue to receive credible reports of serious human rights abuses and violations committed by all parties”.

“It is up to the state to assume its responsibility, which is to initiate fair and independent proceedings for all violations that have been identified,” said the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. He added that “an international mechanism would be an important complement” if there were no “significant efforts” by the authorities to share responsibilities.

War broke out in November 2020 after Prime Minister Abi Ahmed sent troops to Tigray to oust local authorities belonging to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), who defied his authority and he accused them of attacking the army.

Abi Ahmed announced the victory three weeks later, after the occupation of the regional capital Meckele. But in June the TPLF recaptured most of Tigris and continued its offensive in neighboring Amhara and Afar districts.

Addis Ababa accuses UN of “neo-colonialism”

Ethiopia today accused the UN Human Rights Council of “neo-colonialism”, which held a special meeting to address human rights abuses in the war-torn country.

“Multilateralism has once again become hostage to a neo-colonial mentality. Ethiopia is being targeted and accused by the Human Rights Council of defending a democratically elected government, peace and the future of its people,” Ethiopian Ambassador Zen told discussions.

The Human Rights Council will investigate human rights violations

The United Nations Human Rights Council today approved a proposal to set up an international panel of experts to report on the abuses committed by all sides in the war in Ethiopia over the past year.

The motion for a resolution, tabled by the European Union, was supported by 21 countries, with 15 voting against, including China and Russia, and 11 abstentions in the 47-member Geneva-based body.

Ethiopia and the African group of countries had called for its rejection, but several African countries, including Senegal and Sudan, abstained, as the count showed.

With information from AMPE