“The UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk has warned of the devastating impact of continued hostilities on civilians in Ethiopia. The latest alarming airstrikes on the Tigray region risk seriously exacerbating the already devastating impact of hostilities on civilians,” Shamdasani said.
“Since 31 August we have received numerous reports of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian objects due to airstrikes and artillery strikes in Tigray – disruptions to communication make it particularly difficult to verify reports, but it is clear that the toll on civilians is utterly staggering,” She said.
Among those killed in recent incidents was a staff member of the NGO International Rescue Committee, who was part of a team delivering humanitarian assistance to women and children.
“In the midst of a grim humanitarian situation, this is completely unacceptable,” the said.
“The High Commissioner is also deeply troubled by the significant risk of escalation in light of continued mass mobilisation of soldiers and fighters by various parties to the conflict.”
The High Commissioner appealed to all parties to the conflict to immediately cease all hostilities and work towards a peaceful and lasting solution.
Parties to the conflict must respect international human rights law and international humanitarian law by, among other actions, taking all feasible measures to protect civilians and civilian objects, and allowing humanitarian assistance to reach all those in need.
“Under international law, indiscriminate attacks or attacks deliberately targeting civilians or civilian objects amount to war crimes,” Shamdasani added.
The High Commissioner stressed the need to support all efforts towards ensuring accountability for gross violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law committed during the conflict.
For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva: Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org Jeremy Laurence + +41 22 917 9383 / jeremy.laurence@un.org or Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org In Nairobi Seif Magango - +254 788 343 897 / seif.magango@un.org
Tag and share - Twitter: @UNHumanRights and Facebook: unitednationshumanrights
2
1
2
Press Conferences , Edited News | FAO , UNHCR , UNICEF , WFP
Launch of the Global Report on Food Crises 2024
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR
Summary: OHCHR - Ravina Shamdasani addresses the Israel-Occupied Palestinian Territory situation.
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR , UNHCR
Summary: The UK-Rwanda asylum law has raised concerns from UN High Commissioners due to potential harmful consequences on global responsibility-sharing, human rights, and refugee protection. The legislation allows for the transfer of asylum-seekers to Rwanda without thorough consideration of individual circumstances or protection risks.
2
1
2
Press Conferences , Edited News | HRC
Speaker: Tlaleng Mofokeng, Special Rapporteur on the right to health
2
1
2
Press Conferences , Edited News | ILO
Launch of the report “The impacts of climate on occupational safety and health”
1
1
1
Edited News | OHCHR
Myanmar: Concerns over rising tensions in Rakhine state