Remaining very concerned “by the tragic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Tigray and its regional implications” and increasingly touched by the plight of civilians and refugees in Ethiopia, on Monday 8 February, the EU called for full respect for international humanitarian law and human rights.
This call was made on the eve of the departure for the region by the Finnish Foreign Minister, Pekka Haavisto, as mandated by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to carry out a mission and report back to him (see EUROPE 12643/8).
“Three months into the conflict, despite small openings, the limitations to humanitarian access to Tigray continue to prevent the provision of humanitarian assistance to address the immensity of needs, avert the risk of famine and prevent further loss of life. Central and Western Tigray remain largely out of reach and two Eritrean refugee camps remain completely inaccessible”, emphasised Mr Borrell, the Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, and the Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič in a joint statement.
“Humanitarian access needs to be guaranteed and humanitarian assistance allowed to reach all affected areas and people in Tigray, and border areas of Afar and Amhara regions”, they said.
With reports of casualties and serious violations of human rights, international refugee law and international humanitarian law, the EU notes again its duty “to ensure effective protection of refugees from harm”.
It joins the call by the United States for the withdrawal from Ethiopia of Eritrean troops, which are fuelling the conflict in Tigray, reportedly committing atrocities and exacerbating ethnic violence.
The EU has also expressed its support for the work of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
“We hope that the Government of Ethiopia will endorse its recommendations, and fully implement the independent investigations and judicial proceedings announced to ensure full accountability for violations and abuses committed”, said the High Representative and the two commissioners. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)