Ethiopia War Crimes Persist Unabated: UN Experts Document Atrocities in Tigray

War crimes in Ethiopia continue to occur relentlessly, despite a ceasefire being agreed upon almost a year ago between the country’s government and forces from the northern Tigray region, according to independent UN-appointed rights experts. In their latest report, the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia has meticulously documented the atrocities committed by all parties involved in the conflict since November 3, 2020, when the armed conflict in Tigray began. These heinous acts include mass killings, rape, starvation, destruction of schools and medical facilities, forced displacement, and arbitrary detentions. The Chair of the Commission, Mohamed Chande Othman, highlighted that violent confrontations have now escalated to a near-national scale, and warned of alarming reports of violations against civilians not only in Tigray but also in the Amhara region. Othman further cautioned that the situation in Oromia, Amhara, and other parts of the country carries grave risks of further atrocities and crimes, with entrenched impunity and an increasing securitization of the State. The Commission’s report shed light on the dire situation in the Amhara region, which recently saw the government declare a state of emergency. The Commission received reports of mass arbitrary detention of civilians and at least one drone strike conducted by the State. Moreover, several urban centers in the region are under curfew, with a militarized Command Post system in place, lacking civilian oversight. The Commissioners expressed deep alarm at the deteriorating security situation in Amhara and the persisting risk factors for atrocity crimes. Humanitarian needs in the Amhara region have reached critical levels. Earlier in August, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that the people of Amhara cannot withstand another conflict, as nearly two million individuals require urgent health assistance. The influx of refugees from war-torn Sudan has further complicated this already complex situation. Regarding the Tigray region, Commissioner Radhika Coomaraswamy warned that rape and sexual violence against women and girls by Eritrean forces continue unabated. She condemned the lingering presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia, viewing it as a sign not only of an entrenched policy of impunity but also of the Federal Government’s continued support for and tolerance of such violations. The Commissioner highlighted the deep trauma inflicted by the atrocities in Tigray, which is likely to leave lasting scars for generations. The Commissioners called for a credible process of truth, justice, reconciliation, and healing, underscoring the shortcomings of the consultation process initiated by Ethiopia’s government. According to their report, the Ethiopian government has failed to effectively prevent or investigate violations, instead instituting a flawed transitional justice process that overlooks victims. The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia was established by the UN Human Rights Council in December 2021. Comprising three human rights experts, appointed by the President of the Council, the Commission operates independently of the UN and does not receive a salary for their work. As the conflict in Tigray persists, it is crucial to prioritize addressing war crimes, protecting civilians, and ensuring accountability for the atrocities committed. Only through a genuine commitment to truth and justice can Ethiopia move towards healing and reconciliation, averting the risk of further human rights violations and suffering.