UN says both parties in Tigray conflict committed possible crimes against humanity News
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UN says both parties in Tigray conflict committed possible crimes against humanity

A report published by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Wednesday found that there are reasonable grounds to support a finding that the parties to the Tigray conflict committed crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The report identified that the conduct giving rise to the potential crimes against humanity and war crimes includes attacks against civilians, both directly and as a result of indiscriminate armed conflict; illegal and extrajudicial executions, some of which were part of purported systematic attacks against certain groups of civilians; torture, some of which was targeted at victims based on their ethnicity; arbitrary detentions and disappearances of civilians; and sexual and gendered violence perpetrated against women and teenagers, although the true volume of sexual violence is estimated to be higher and unreported.

According to the report, such conduct breaches legislation and international instruments which are designed to protect human rights, humanitarian work and refugees. This provides the “reasonable grounds to believe that a number of these violations may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes, which require further investigations to ensure accountability.”

The report added that as the state is responsible for protecting human rights, it is responsible for addressing the violations. The report suggested the creation of a reparations scheme for victims.

Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, echoed her previous concerns. She stated:

The Tigray conflict has been marked by extreme brutality. The gravity and seriousness of the violations and abuses we have documented underscore the need to hold perpetrators accountable on all sides. As the conflict has escalated, with civilians as ever caught in the middle, it is vital that all parties heed the repeated calls to end hostilities and seek a lasting ceasefire.

The report follows months of concern about and condemnation of the war in Tigray. In August, the US sanctioned the country. Attempts to negotiate a ceasefire between all armed forced have been unsuccessful thus far.

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