By GICJ

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) is appalled at reports of ongoing violations in Ethiopia, including the recent civilian killings in the Oromia region on 18 June.

 On 30 June 2022, Ms Kaari Betty Murungi, Chair of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE), delivered an oral update on the work of the ICHREE since its establishment in December 2021.

 In line with the Joint UN Human Rights Office-Ethiopian Human Rights Commission investigation report, the Ethiopian Government declared a ceasefire on 24 March 2022 and established an inter-ministerial task force. The work of the ICHREE aims to compliment these efforts and provide much needed international accountability. However, the Ethiopian Government has not yet granted the ICHREE access to conflict-affected areas.

 Additionally, the ICHREE has commenced its investigation remotely and is alarmed by the continued perpetration of human rights law, humanitarian law and refugee law violations, with impunity. The dire humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the lack of access by some civilian populations to humanitarian assistance, leaving 13 million people in need of food assistance in northern Ethiopia.

 Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) urges the Ethiopian Government and all parties to the conflict to fully and meaningfully cooperate with the ICHREE. GICJ implores all parties to provide unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas. We also urge member states to respond to the ICHREE’s call for additional political, technical, and financial support that they require to achieve their objectives.

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