A joint statement issued by some 45 countries in early October 2024 during the 57th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Ethiopia compels us to address a subject we have dwelt on before. While acknowledging the lifting of the State of Emergency that had been declared in the Amhara region and the adoption of the Transitional Justice Policy and a roadmap to guide its implementation as positive steps, the countries levelled a laundry list of grave accusations against both state and non-state actors, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, killings and injuries of civilians, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual and gender-based violence and attacks on civilian property. Expressing their alarm at the high number of human rights violations that they say is occurring in Ethiopia, the countries noted that the ongoing conflicts hamper further progress in the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, adding the constraints on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and the silencing of journalists and civil society were cause for concern.
Armed conflicts have been racking Ethiopia with regularity for decades now. Predictably civilians have often borne the brunt of the conflicts. The frequency and brutality of these clashes, however, have soared since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) assumed office in April 2018. On his watch, hundreds of thousands have lost their lives, and millions have been displaced from their homes, enduring profound psychological distress amid a deadly civil war, insurgencies, and targeted assaults affecting nearly all regional states, but more so in the Amhara, Oromia and Tigray regions. Moreover, the breakdown of law and order that arise in times of conflicts has created a security vacuum in which civilians are denied access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and food supplies. Regrettably, the disturbing regularity of death, destruction and suffering resulting from the violence has led to a sense of numbness that has failed to reflect the gravity of the situation.
As a party to numerous international treaties and conventions, Ethiopia is legally obligated to protect civilians caught up in conflicts. The nation is committed to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, which delineate the duties of combatants to safeguard civilians and non-combatants during armed hostilities. Additionally, various international instruments impose prohibitions against actions such as the killing, torture, and inhumane treatment of civilians as well as the obstruction of humanitarian access to assist affected populations during conflicts. These instruments require all parties involved in a conflict to ensure the fulfillment of rights related to food, water, health, housing, and education, even amidst armed confrontations. Furthermore, Ethiopia’s constitution and domestic legislations embody principles that are consistent with international humanitarian law and human rights standards. These laws aim to protect the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of their situation, and to implement necessary measures to shield civilians from the detrimental impacts of conflict.
Affording protection to civilians ensnared in armed conflicts also contributes to broader peace and reconciliation efforts. When civilians feel safe and their basic needs are met, they are more likely to support peace initiatives and engage in dialogue rather than retaliation and violence. Empathizing with undergoing untold misery and addressing their needs can go some way toward bridging divides among conflicting parties, facilitating negotiation and reconciliation processes. Moreover, a commitment to civilian protection can help counteract narratives of grievance and victimization that often fuel conflict. Addressing the humanitarian needs of communities can promote healing and foster a sense of shared future, reducing the likelihood of future violence. Needless to say these efforts will not bear fruit if humanitarian organizations are not granted unrestricted access to deliver assistance. In many conflict-affected areas in Ethiopia, access to aid has been obstructed by insecurity, bureaucratic hurdles, and targeted attacks on aid workers. Protecting civilians also means safeguarding the ability of humanitarian actors to operate without interference, enabling them to provide life-saving aid and support to affected populations.
The atrocities highlighted in the statement issued at the recent session of the UN Human Rights Council underscore the need to accord to defenseless civilians, particularly such vulnerable groups as women, children, the elderly, and disabled individuals, who are affected disproportionately in the ongoing conflicts wreaking havoc in several parts of Ethiopia. They also draw attention to the imperative to hold the perpetrators to account. Ensuring accountability is essential for delivering justice to the innocent victims and their families. It acts as a deterrent against future violations, conveying a strong message that such egregious acts will not go unpunished. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in preventing cycles of revenge and retaliation, thereby promoting reconciliation, healing, and long-term stability in the region. While maintaining accountability is critical to alleviating the suffering of violence victims, the only sustainable solution lies in engaging in peaceful dialogue and faithfully implementing the resulting agreements. Meanwhile, the actions of all parties involved in the conflict must be consistently guided by the imperative of ensuring civilian protection, which is pivotal to resolving the crisis gripping Ethiopia.
