The United Nations has warned of ongoing human rights abuses by Eritrean troops in Tigray, stressing the need for immediate withdrawal and accountability. Key findings detail various violations including abductions and sexual violence despite a cessation agreement. Eritrea’s lack of reform and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms remains concerning, prompting calls for necessary changes.
The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the ongoing human rights abuses perpetrated by Eritrean troops in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, emphasizing the absence of accountability despite global calls for recognition of these violations. Ilze Brands-Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Human Rights Office, addressed the issue during the 58th session of the Human Rights Council, underscoring that the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) still remain active in Tigray despite the stipulations of the November 2022 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, which demanded their withdrawal.
Brands-Kehris highlighted findings from the Joint OHCHR-Ethiopia Human Rights Commission Investigation Team, which reported significant violations attributed to the EDF, including acts of abduction, sexual violence, property looting, and arbitrary detentions. “This impunity continues to embolden perpetrators of human rights violations,” she stated, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean forces from the region.
Multiple international human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, documenting instances of abuse during the conflict and beyond. Human Rights Watch’s 2024 report identified several abuses by Eritrean forces, including sexual violence and looting. Local testimonies, particularly from residents of Zalambessa, indicate a climate of fear due to the presence of Eritrean troops affecting their daily lives.
The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia also reiterated the EDF’s ongoing presence, cautioning that without credible accountability mechanisms, impunity for past violations would persist and provide no deterrence for further atrocities.
Regarding Eritrea itself, Brands-Kehris pointed out the country’s failure to implement necessary reforms to its legal and justice systems to ensure adherence to international standards, as well as the lack of accountability for human rights violations. She expressed concerns about the practice of indefinite military service, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, association, and assembly.
In closing, she implored Eritrean authorities to engage fully with international human rights frameworks and to collaborate with the UN bodies, including the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Eritrea. She stressed the pressing need for justice sector reforms and accountability to combat the persistent human rights violations occurring within the country.
In summary, the United Nations has spotlighted the continued human rights abuses by Eritrean troops in Tigray, emphasizing the urgency for their withdrawal and the need for accountability on violations. Despite international calls for reform, Eritrea has failed to make substantial changes to its justice systems and to address its human rights record. The situation demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts to ensure justice and prevent further violations.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
