EU’s Inaction on Ethiopia’s Human Rights Crisis Fails Victims

The EU Fails Ethiopia‘s Victims: No Action Following Scathing UN Report

October 4, 2023

European Union members have failed to renew international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Ethiopia, according to a report by Human Rights Watch. The report highlights the important prevention role that the United Nations Human Rights Council can play and calls for continued international scrutiny and independent investigations into past and ongoing violations. This failure by the EU to take action is a devastating blow to victims of atrocities in Ethiopia who were relying on the support of the international community.

EU‘s Responsibility and Prior Efforts

The European Union had previously been at the forefront of advocating for justice and accountability for abuses in Ethiopia. Since the outbreak of conflict in northern Ethiopia in 2020, the EU has made it clear that justice and accountability for all sides would be a prerequisite for normal relations with Ethiopia. The EU had led the resolution establishing the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) back in December 2021, and had renewed its mandate in September 2022 despite opposition from the Ethiopian government.

Ethiopian Government’s Obstruction

While the commission was in operation, the Ethiopian government consistently sought to hamper its work. In March, Ethiopian authorities even threatened to introduce a resolution at the Human Rights Council session that would have prematurely terminated the ICHREE halfway through its mandate. In response, the EU and other governments expressed support for the Ethiopian government’s initiation of consultations on transitional justice. However, the commission has consistently highlighted the limited prospects for accountability at the domestic level, noting that the government has failed to effectively investigate violations and has initiated a flawed transitional justice consultation process.

Escalating Human Rights Situation

The human rights situation in Ethiopia has continued to deteriorate since the commission was established. Clashes between the Ethiopian military and the local Fano militia in the Amhara region have escalated, leading to unlawful killings, mass detentions, and reported drone strikes resulting in civilian casualties. The commission also raised concerns about ongoing violations in Tigray and rising abuses in the Oromia region.

This worsening situation makes it even more crucial for the EU and other Human Rights Council members to take action and ensure that independent investigations into these violations and abuses continue, and that accountability mechanisms are monitored and publicly reported on.

EU‘s Lack of Leadership

Human Rights Watch and other civil society groups have called on the EU and Human Rights Council members to renew the mandate of the expert commission or to create alternative monitoring mechanisms. However, the EU failed to move forward with a draft resolution on Ethiopia, and neither France nor Germany, both council members, made significant efforts to mobilize support for renewing the commission or creating alternative mechanisms. This lack of action by the EU and its member states is a significant failure and undermines their credibility as proponents for justice and accountability.

Editorial: Prioritizing Human Rights and Accountability

The EU‘s failure to renew international scrutiny of the human rights situation in Ethiopia is deeply concerning. By choosing not to take action, the EU and its member states have effectively abandoned victims of atrocities in Ethiopia and failed to fulfill their responsibility to ensure justice and accountability.

The ongoing conflict in Ethiopia and the escalating human rights abuses demand a robust and concerted international response. It is crucial for the EU and other Human Rights Council members to prioritize human rights and take proactive steps to address the situation in Ethiopia.

Accountability for grave human rights violations is a fundamental principle of international law and a necessary step towards lasting peace and stability. The EU, as a champion of human rights and a leader in international affairs, must demonstrate its commitment to these principles by actively working towards justice for victims of atrocities in Ethiopia.

The international community, including the EU, should support the continuation of independent investigations into past and ongoing violations and abuses and ensure that accountability mechanisms are monitored and publicly reported on. It is only through these efforts that the victims of atrocities in Ethiopia can find justice and that future violations can be deterred.

Advice: International Response and Humanitarian Assistance

The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing the humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ethiopia. In addition to ensuring accountability for violations and abuses, it is imperative to prioritize humanitarian assistance to the affected populations.

States should provide increased support for humanitarian efforts, including providing adequate funding and resources to aid organizations operating in Ethiopia. This support should prioritize the provision of essential services, such as clean water, food, shelter, and healthcare, to those most affected by the conflict and human rights abuses.

It is also vital for the international community to work towards a political solution to the conflict in Ethiopia. Diplomatic efforts should be intensified to encourage all parties to engage in peaceful negotiations and find a lasting resolution. This includes facilitating dialogue between the Ethiopian government and opposition groups, as well as encouraging regional and international actors to mediate in the peace process.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the international community to uphold human rights, promote accountability, and work towards a just and peaceful resolution in Ethiopia. The EU and other influential actors must step up their efforts and demonstrate their commitment to these principles through concrete actions and sustained engagement.

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