Ethiopia Will Not Cooperate with UN Human Rights Probe

December 17, 2021

[Image Source: Giulia Paravicini/Reuters]

Cited article by Al Jazeera

HRRC's Response:

The UN Human Rights Council has ordered a human rights probe into abuses being committed during the conflict in Ethiopia, an order that the Ethiopian government has stated they will not cooperate with. The proposal was brought to the UN by the EU and Western states, with notable objections by Russia and China. In addition, several African countries involved in the UN vote abstained, claiming the probe could exacerbate tensions and be counterproductive.

Presently, Ethiopia is in a state of emergency and reports indicate that approximately 5,000-7,000 people, including 9 UN staff, are detained in undisclosed locations and unable to communicate. Experts stated that the country is at high risk of generalized violence which poses a risk to millions of Ethiopians and other civilians in the region. Some of the violations that have taken place could amount to crimes against humanity.

HRRC condemns the continued human rights abuses taking place in Ethiopia during the ongoing conflict. A thorough investigation by the UN could provide the needed evidence regarding the precise abuses being committed and help hold accountable those perpetrating the crimes.