The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has raised serious concerns over widespread human rights violations in the Amhara and Oromia regions, following an escalation in militarized conflict. In its latest quarterly report, covering mid-September to December 2024, the EHRC documented numerous extrajudicial killings, including those of pregnant women and children, as well as forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions.
The report highlights the devastating impact of the ongoing violence, with civilians being subjected to brutal attacks, unlawful killings, and destruction of property. The commission also reported that over 6,000 people, including government officials, security personnel, teachers, traders, and journalists, are being held in temporary detention centers across towns such as Dangla, Chilga, Kombolcha, and Shewa Robit in Amhara.
Rising Humanitarian Crisis
The EHRC’s findings shed light on the severe toll the conflict is taking on the civilian population, with entire communities caught in the crossfire. The report raises alarm over the absence of accountability for these violations, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.
While the Ethiopian government and various armed groups have been engaged in the conflict, the EHRC emphasized the need for both sides to uphold international human rights standards and ensure the protection of civilians.
Context
The conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions has been marked by political and ethnic tensions, with insurgent groups and government forces locked in violent confrontations. Despite ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis, the situation remains volatile, and the human rights situation continues to deteriorate.
The EHRC has called on both the Ethiopian government and international bodies to take immediate steps to address these violations and provide protection for civilians affected by the conflict.
References:
- Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, Quarterly Report
- United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
- Amnesty International, Ethiopia Human Rights Reports
