52nd Session of the Human Rights Council 

27 February - 4 April 2023 

Item 4 : International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia

21 March 2023

Joint Statement with International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD) and Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Delivered by Tamir Boldbaatar 

Thank you Mr. President,

We thank the Commission on Human Rights for its report and update on the crisis. 

Since November 2020, violations such as extrajudicial killings, rape, sexual violence, and starvation of the civilian have been committed in Ethiopia. Tigrayan forces killed civilians and damaged or destroyed civilian infrastructure and property in Kobo and Chenna in August and September 2021. Killings were accompanied by additional acts of violence and brutality, such as beatings and rapes of women. The effect of rape and sexual violence on survivors has been enormous, they face devastating long-term impacts on their physical and mental health.

Conflict has led to displacement, lack of essential services for populations. There is a dire need of humanitarian assistance and protection for 20 million people suffering in the country. 

EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice urge Ethiopia to investigate and bring to justice members of its forces who have committed serious violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law. The described violations amount to crimes against humanity and we strongly condemn the brutal abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. The Ethiopian Government urgently needs to commit to peace negotiations in order to bring an end to the conflict. 

Thank you