Ethiopia at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need to Renew the UN Human Rights Council’s Investigative Mandate

Ethiopia at a Dangerous Precipice: The Urgency of International Scrutiny

Alarming Findings and Ongoing Human Rights Violations

The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) has released a report addressing the ongoing armed conflict in the Tigray region and its expansion into the Amhara and Afar regions. The report paints a bleak picture of the human rights situation in Ethiopia, highlighting the increasing prevalence of rights violations and abuses, particularly in the Oromia and Amhara regions. It also warns that the conflict has escalated to a “national scale,” with the Ethiopian government failing to effectively investigate these violations and initiate a flawed transitional justice consultation process.

The report’s findings are alarming, shedding light on the dire situation in Ethiopia and the urgent need for international scrutiny. It reveals that the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF), the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF), and allied regional special forces have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Tigray region. Furthermore, Tigrayan and allied fighters are reported to have committed war crimes in the Afar and Amhara regions. The report concludes that the current situation in the country bears the hallmarks of future atrocity crimes.

Amnesty International has also expressed deep concern over gross human rights violations in the Amhara region, emphasizing that these violations are no longer restricted to the Tigray region but have intensified in other parts of the country. The organization warns that there is a significant risk of further escalation if accountability is not maintained and increased.

The Need for Accountability and International Intervention

Amnesty International is urging the member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to renew the mandate of the ICHREE and maintain international scrutiny on Ethiopia. They argue that reducing scrutiny at this critical juncture would embolden impunity and abandon the victims of heinous violations. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, explains that it is imperative for the international community to support a resolution that continues the ICHREE’s mandate, in line with their commitment to justice and accountability for Ethiopia.

The fate of the ICHREE, the only remaining independent and credible investigative mechanism on Ethiopia, hangs in the balance at the ongoing session of the UNHRC. The EU, which played a leading role in establishing the ICHREE, has cast doubt on the future of the investigative body by suggesting a lower level of UN engagement and technical assistance, which may undermine the ICHREE’s mandate.

A Call for African States to Support the ICHREE

African states that are members of the Human Rights Council have a crucial role to play in supporting the ICHREE’s mandate. As Tigere Chagutah emphasizes, the ICHREE’s international oversight is critical for preserving African initiatives on resolving crises in Ethiopia, including the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and other initiatives in Oromia, while also contributing to regional stability. It is imperative that these African states stand firm in their commitment to human rights and support the continuation of the ICHREE’s work.

The Urgency of Maintaining and Increasing Accountability

The release of the ICHREE’s report ahead of the UN Human Rights Council debate on Ethiopia further underscores the urgency of the situation. The report’s findings, along with Amnesty International’s own research, highlight the gravity and extent of the human rights violations occurring in Ethiopia. It is clear that rights abuses are not confined to a single region but have spread throughout the country, requiring immediate action.

The UNHRC must fulfill its responsibility to maintain and increase accountability on Ethiopia. The international community cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing crisis and must ensure that perpetrators of human rights violations are brought to justice. Failure to do so would not only abandon the victims but also set a dangerous precedent for the UN’s ability to address human rights crises in other parts of the world.

Conclusion

Ethiopia stands at a dangerous precipice, with the human rights situation deteriorating rapidly. The ICHREE’s latest report serves as a stark warning, underscoring the urgent need for continued international scrutiny and accountability. The member states of the UNHRC, particularly the African states, must support the renewal of the ICHREE’s mandate and prioritize justice and accountability for Ethiopia. The fate of countless victims and the stability of the entire region depend on it. The UNHRC must send a clear message that human rights violations will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable.