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In a statement Tuesday, Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern that rhetoric from both sides ahead of what is feared will be a major battle for the regional capital, Mekelle, “is dangerously provocative and risks putting frightened civilians in vulnerable situations and grave danger ”.
🇪🇹 #Ethiopia: UN Chief of Human Rights @mbachelet urges the conflicting parties to #Tigray give clear and unequivocal orders to its forces to constantly be concerned with preserving and protecting civilians from hostilities. More information: https://t.co/SlEkSg2B71 pic.twitter.com/Hwu0oh3rRT
– UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) November 24, 2020
“I am afraid that this rhetoric will lead to new violations of international humanitarian law,” he warned.
“Such rhetoric suggests possible violations of the cardinal principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in the conduct of hostilities that are designed to guarantee the protection of the civilian population.”
There are reports of a large accumulation of tanks and artillery around Mekelle, following the 72-hour ultimatum by the Ethiopian government to forces loyal to the Tigray Popular Liberation Front (TPLF) to surrender. The deadline will be reached in a matter of hours.
Guterres – ‘deeply concerned’
Later that day, the un Secretary General António Guterres said in a statement that it was “deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in the Tigray region,” and urged “Ethiopian leaders to do everything possible to protect civilians, defend human rights and guarantee humanitarian access. for the provision of much needed assistance “. It also calls for the free and safe movement of people seeking safety and assistance, regardless of their ethnic identity, across national and international borders. “
Protection of civilians ‘paramount’
The statement by the UN human rights chief was made in response to reports that TPLF fighters were stationing themselves among the civilian population.
However, this does not give the Ethiopian government “carte blanche to respond with the use of artillery in densely populated areas,” as it seeks to take control of the region, he added, emphasizing that according to international law, the parties to a conflict must take all possible measures to protect civilians.
“I remind all parties to the conflict that the obligation to respect international law is not conditional on the behavior of the other party. All parties to the conflict are bound by international humanitarian law and human rights law, as appropriate. The protection of civilians is paramount, ”he said.
Refugees exceed 40,000
Meanwhile, Ethiopian refugees continue to arrive in Sudan, with the number exceeding 40,000 since the crisis began, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) reported, adding that humanitarian needs are outstripping response capacity.
“[We] they have been able to deliver and distribute life-saving aid, including food, to more people. But the humanitarian response continues to face logistical challenges and remains overburdened. There is not enough shelter capacity to meet the growing needs, ”Babar Baloch, UNHCR spokesperson, told reporters at a press conference in Geneva.
Mr. Baloch also expressed concern about the situation of civilians, including displaced persons and humanitarian workers in the Tigray region.
He reiterated the call to all parties to allow the free and safe movement of affected people in search of safety and assistance, including across international borders and within national borders, regardless of ethnic origin.
Free and secure ‘urgently needed’ access
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), around half a million people, including some 200 humanitarian workers, remain in Mekelle.
In the same briefing, OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said the UN and its partners in Ethiopia remain ready to provide assistance to people affected by the conflict, adding that “free, safe and secure humanitarian access is urgently needed. unhindered “to allow that to happen.
He also said that OCHA has finalized a humanitarian preparedness plan aimed at helping 2 million people with assistance in the Tigray, Afar and Amhara regions, including the number of existing humanitarian cases and an additional 1.1 million people expected. needing assistance as a result of the conflict.
“To support this plan, about $ 76 million will still be needed to fund it,” added Mr. Laerke.
The Secretary-General said in his statement that he was giving “the full support of the United Nations to the initiative of the President of the African Union, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, to facilitate peaceful solutions. He urges all parties to seize this opportunity to reduce tensions. “
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