HRC Special Session 33 - Statement on behalf of the EU delivered by H.E. Mrs Anita PIPAN Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia

Madam President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the EU.

For over a year, the EU has been following the developments in Ethiopia with great concern. In recent months, the conflict has further worsened and expanded.

The gravity and scale of violations and atrocities committed against civilians by all sides, including sexual and gender-based violence and ethnic violence, is unacceptable. The humanitarian situation is disastrous in many parts of the country, with millions of people in the need of lifesaving support.

The EU remains convinced that there is no military solution to this crisis. We reaffirm our strong support for African Union and regional mediation efforts, led by High Representative Obasanjo.

The widespread targeting of ethnic groups, hate speech and incitement should be of the outmost concern. In this regard, the EU calls for transparency on the situation of persons arrested since the declaration of the state of emergency including by allowing visits to detention facilities.

The EU has welcomed the joint report and called for further investigations. We are encouraged by the steps taken by the Ethiopian authorities to follow up on the report’s findings. We regret that Eritrea and the TPLF have not shown willingness to take up the reports’ recommendations.

Human rights violations and abuses, and violations of international humanitarian and refugee laws, unfortunately continue to be committed by all parties, in all areas affected by the conflict. A number of violations may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes, and urgently require further investigations by independent experts.

We believe that the establishment of an independent international investigative mechanism, will enable inter alia to build upon the findings of the joint report, it is urgent and necessary to complement national efforts and ensure accountability.

All efforts should focus on helping bring peace and justice to Ethiopia and its people. The EU’s hope remains to adopt the resolution by consensus, with the support of the countries concerned.

Thank you.