September 6, 2021
Cited article by Maggie Fick and edited by William Maclean, Reuters
HRRC's Response:
The U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) published footage of the growing human rights crisis in Northern Ethiopia. Due in part to the ongoing conflict between the Ethiopia's military and the Tigray Liberation People's Front (TPLF), it is believed that parties involved in the warfare have implemented a de facto blockade preventing humanitarian aid from reaching civilians.
The United Nations reports that 5.2 million people, approximately 90% of the population, is in immediate need of assistance. Many of these people are experiencing ongoing famine conditions. The last confirmed instance of humanitarian assistance being able to enter the country was on August 23rd. It is estimated that it will require 100 trucks of aid to enter the country on a daily basis to provide adequate aid for the civilian population.
HRRC echoes the U.N. call for humanitarian aid for the civilians in desperate need of assistance in Ethiopia. Any matters of ongoing conflict aside, the care and welfare of civilians placed at risk should be the utmost importance of the international community.