UN Human Rights Council 50: UK statement on Ethiopia

Thank you, Mr President.

The UK is proud to have supported both the call for a Special Session on the conflict in northern Ethiopia last year, and the establishment of the International Commission to provide much needed international scrutiny of the actions of all parties to the conflict. We welcome the appointment of the Commissioners, including Rakhika Coomaraswamy to replace Fatou Bensouda, following her appointment as the Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Mr President,

While we strongly welcome the cessation of hostilities between the Government of Ethiopia and Tigrayan forces, we should be in no doubt that the situation on the ground remains dire for those caught up in the conflict. The ongoing and desperate humanitarian situation must be addressed as the absolute priority, and we urge all parties to ensure unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray and immediately restore services to the conflict affected regions.
Mr President,

A political solution is the only way to protect the unity of Ethiopia, avoid a descent back into conflict and chaos and to prevent further deaths and destruction of lives and livelihoods. Ensuring justice for the victims of human rights violations and abuses, and that the perpetrators are held to account without impunity, is a vital part of this.

We therefore thank the Commission for its update, and its commitment to impartiality. It has our full support, and we call on all parties to the conflict and regional partners to co-operate fully with its mandate.

Commissioners,

We would welcome specific guidance on the further support the international community can best provide to you in this first year of your mandate to enable you to work as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Thank you