UN Alarmed by Eritrean Troops’ Continued Abuses in Tigray Region

The UN warns of persistent human rights abuses by Eritrean troops in Tigray, citing evidence of violence and a lack of accountability. Despite the 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, Eritrean forces remain active. Ilze Brands-Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General, emphasized the need for reform in Eritrea and urgent action against ongoing human rights violations by the EDF, as highlighted by several organizations.

The United Nations has issued a warning about the ongoing human rights violations committed by Eritrean troops in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, emphasizing the alarming level of impunity that continues despite calls for accountability. At the 58th session of the Human Rights Council on February 27, Ilze Brands-Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General at the UN Human Rights Office, noted that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) still remain in Tigray, in direct violation of the 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, which mandated their withdrawal.

During her address, Brands-Kehris referenced a 2023 investigation by the Joint OHCHR-Ethiopia Human Rights Commission Investigation Team, which revealed serious human rights abuses by the EDF, including abductions, rape, and arbitrary arrests. She stated, “This impunity continues to embolden perpetrators of human rights violations.” The EDF’s presence and actions continue to instill fear in local populations, with residents of Zalambessa reporting a pervasive atmosphere of dread.

Several international human rights organizations have corroborated these findings, with Human Rights Watch’s 2024 annual report detailing “ongoing abuses by Eritrean forces,” such as sexual violence and looting. Furthermore, the now-defunct International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) warned that without accountability measures, impunity could persist, fostering an environment for future atrocities.

Brands-Kehris expressed concerns regarding Eritrea’s lack of reform in its legal systems, pointing out violations including enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedoms of expression and assembly. Many individuals, including journalists and religious figures, remain in arbitrary detention without trial. She called for Eritrea to cooperate fully with international human rights mechanisms and engage constructively with UN entities, advocating for necessary reforms in the justice sector.

In summary, the United Nations highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses committed by Eritrean troops in Tigray, calling attention to the need for accountability and systemic reform within Eritrea. The continued presence of the EDF, despite agreements for withdrawal, fosters an environment of fear among local populations, while the lack of credible legal frameworks for addressing rights violations hampers progress toward justice. Urgent measures are needed to ensure accountability and protect the rights of individuals in Eritrea and Tigray.

Original Source: addisstandard.com