Chair,

The EU thanks the Commission for its update and reiterates its strong support for the work of the experts.

The EU welcomes the steps taken to date to implement the Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities and the Declaration of the Senior Commanders on the Modalities for the Implementation of the Peace Agreement, both signed in November 2022.

We call for further progress on the implementation of both agreements, the immediate cessation of all ongoing violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law, continued humanitarian access and the further expansion of basic services in conflict-affected areas in northern Ethiopia.

The EU welcomes the work of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, as well as its cooperation with the United Nations Office of the High-Commissioner for Human Rights. We underline the urgent need for independent, transparent and impartial investigations into all allegations of violations and abuses of international human rights law, and violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law.

Recognizing the ongoing process on transitional justice, we stress the importance of ensuring immediate engagement of judicial procedures on the most pressing cases related to the conflict in Northern Ethiopia and to ensure the safeguarding of evidence for future prosecution.

The EU is concerned about the reports of ongoing human rights violations and abuses committed notably in the Amhara, Afar and Oromia Regional States, including conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence.

The EU joins the African Union and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission in calling for the protection of civilians, and supports the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission in organising a constructive dialogue process, aiming at national coherence in the country. Critical to the success of these efforts, and as reflected in ICHREE’s recommendations, will be the establishment and implementation of a robust Transitional Justice Policy Framework..

Chair,

What benchmarks would you suggest to ensure that the future transitional justice policy will be implemented in a timely manner?

Thank you.