News in Brief
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen confers with China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing
Ethiopia and China hold Second Bilateral Political Consultation
Updates on Humanitarian Assistance to the Tigray Region
EHRC: Violations in Afar and Amhara may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity
Ethiopia Participates in the 5th UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi
Africa and the African Union
A three-day African Union Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa opened on Tuesday (March 15) in Accra, focusing on the finding solution in addressing the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa. The Forum discussed different aspects of the phenomenon including triggers for the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa, continental response mechanisms, shared perspectives on Africa’s governance deficits, strengths and weaknesses of regional frameworks, stakeholders’ responsibility in promoting effective governance, managing complex political transitions arising out of military takeover, and consolidated strategies and structured solutions to address unconstitutional changes of government.
The Kingdom of Morocco last week on Wednesday (March 09) signed the Revised Constitution of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). Currently, 35 AU Member States with a total population of more than 800 million people, accounting for 61% of the population on the African continent and 89% of intra-African air transport market have joined SAATM and have opened up their markets to each other, removing restrictions in terms of frequency, capacity and granting to each other traffic rights and this will enable intra-African transport connectivity and support improvement of trade and tourism.
Ethiopia
President Sahle-Work Zewde bade farewell to the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ethiopia, Sami Jamil Abdullah. President Sahle-Work and the Ambassador discussed the issue of Ethiopians in Saudi Arabia, the preservation of their dignity, the repatriation plan to be rolled out soon by the Ethiopian government. The President thanked the ambassador for his contribution to enhance bilateral relationship between the two countries during his stay in Ethiopia.
The First Congress of Prosperity Party last week on Saturday (March 12) elected Dr. Abiy Ahmed president, Adem Farah and Demeke Mekonnen Vice Presidents. Following the election, PP President Abiy told the congress that support in knowledge, labor and any other form is much needed from the members, beyond the votes cast. “I appeal to you all for support as much as you can so that we can fulfill the historic opportunity given to us to sustain Ethiopia,” he said, adding that “nothing can be changed without your hard work and struggle.” The president finally expressed his hope that the members would proudly meet at the next congress by registering successful work, if all support the leadership.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, received at his office on Monday (March 15) China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing and discussed bilateral and regional issues of common concern. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister applauded the long-standing relationship between the two countries and China’s multifaceted support to Ethiopia. In this regard, he mentioned China’s support in multilateral fora that helped Ethiopia thwart threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. (See article)
State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Redwan Hussien and Assistant Foreign Minister of China, Deng Li held on Wednesday (March 16) the second Ethiopia-China political consultation via teleconference. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of common concern, further pledging to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative partnership. (See article)
Government Communications Service Minister, Legesse Tulu (PhD) has rejected the WHO’s allegation of blockage of transportation of medical supplies to Tigray as baseless. Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom is violating the organization’s principles and values in issuing groundless statements and orchestrating false accusations against the government which is exerting efforts to address humanitarian needs in Tigray, the Minister Noted. Contrary to the accusations of the WHOs chief, a letter from the country office of WHO indicates that the government of Ethiopia has already verified and cleared the transportation of medical supplies and medicines to Tigray.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia said that the Federal Government of Ethiopia has been playing constructive roles in facilitating the smooth movement of humanitarian trucks along the Afar route to address the humanitarian needs of the Tigray region. (See Statement)
A forum aimed to introduce opportunities in Ethiopia in Agro-processing to investors in the United Arab Emirates was held in Dubai on Wednesday (March 16). Deputy Head of Ethiopian Investment Commission, Temesgen Tilahun, expounded on the efforts of the government of Ethiopia in expanding investment opportunities in agro-processing.
Deputy Ambassador of Ethiopia to Russia, Cham Ugala discussed on Wednesday (March 16) with Director General of the Coordinating Committee for Economic Cooperation with African Countries (AFROCOM), Alexander V. Kopkov on ways of enhancing trade ties between Ethiopia and Russia. The Deputy Ambassador expressed concern over the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, expressing Ethiopia’s interest in peaceful resolution for the situation between the two countries.
The Minister of Water and Energy, Engineer Habtamu Itefa, met on Wednesday (March 16) a delegation led by the World Bank East African Country Director, Kate Hansen. The Minister highlighted the work being done by the Ministry of Water and Energy in Water Supply and Sanitation, Water Resources Management, and Renewable Energy Development sectors. Habtamu told the delegation that Ethiopia is working to provide energy access to all its citizens by 2030. Keith Hansen, for his part, praised the ongoing work and said the World Bank is willing to support Ethiopia and work together for the achievement of its goal which is energy access to all its citizens.
Ethiopia’s Ambassador in Sudan, Ambassador Yibeltal Aemero had a meeting over the week with the Interior Minister of Sudan, Lieutenant-General Anan Hamed Mohammed Omar. The two sides discussed ways to ease up regulations governing Ethiopians living in Sudan, while providing expedited and friendly services to Ethiopians who chose to return home.
Adem Mohamed Mahmud, Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Kyrgyz Republic presented his credential to Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic on Tuesday (March 15). Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic on his congratulatory remark underlined that Kyrgyz Republic welcomes his appointment and looks forward to work in collaboration on areas of mutual interest in order to advance common national interest goals.
Ethiopian Investment Commission, the Ethiopian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, and the Consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates have organized a forum in Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 15,16) to promote investment opportunities in the pharmaceutical and agro-processing sector in Ethiopia.
Eritrea
Eritrean Ambassador to the Republic of South Sudan, Mr. Yohannes Teklemicael met and held talks with Mr. Mayiik Ayii Deng, on Tuesday (March 15) Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan, on strengthening bilateral ties as well as regional developments. Indicating that the Eritrean Government has a strong belief that the people of South Sudan have the capacity of addressing their problems, Ambassador Yohannes expressed Eritrea’s full support for the implementation of the peace agreement. In their meeting, Ambassador Yohannes and Mr. Mayiik Ayii Deng discussed economic programs to the benefit of the people of the two countries. The two officials also discussed the responsibility and rights of the Eritrean people residing in South Sudan in general and that of Eritrean investors in particular. Mr. Mayiik Ayii Deng on his part commended the support the people and Government of Eritrea are extending to the people and Government of South Sudan. Ambassador Yohannes also had a similar discussion with Mr. Deng Dua Deng, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of South Sudan.
Djibouti
The IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE) organized a three-day workshop in Djibouti from March 15-17, 2022, on enhancing women’s strategic communication capacity with the goal of developing alternative and counter-narratives to prevent violent extremism in the Horn of Africa region. The workshop, which brought together women from the IGAD region, acknowledged that bolstering women’s participation is the first step in preventing violent and extremist ideologies in communities.
Qatar’s Minister of Endowments (Awqaf) and Islamic Affairs Ghanem bin Shaheen bin Ghanem al-Ghanem met with the visiting Djiboutian Minister of Islamic Affairs, Culture and Endowments, Moamen Hassan Berri. The meeting reviewed co-operation and exchanged views in the field of Islamic Affairs.
Kenya
The Fifth Session of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA 5.2) was held in Nairobi Kenya from 28th February to 2nd of March 2022 under the theme “strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” and the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the UN Environmental Program (UNEP@50). (See article)
Somalia
Top African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and Federal Government of Somalia officials are meeting in Mogadishu as of Tuesday (March 15) over the next five days to discuss modalities ahead of the new AU peace support operation in Somalia. Effective April 1, AMISOM, which has operated in Somalia since 2007, will be replaced by a new mission to be called the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The Mogadishu conference seeks to agree on various approaches to aid the transition, as well as discuss operational plans for the new mission. The Pentagon may add troops in Somalia to control the growing al-Shabaab terrorist organization, the head of U.S. Africa Command told senators on Tuesday (March 15). Gen. Stephen Townsend said that al-Shabaab, an Al Qaeda-affiliated terrorist group in eastern Africa, is “among the world’s fastest-growing, wealthiest, and deadliest terrorist groups” that poses a threat to Americans, and that a U.S military presence relegated to neighboring countries is insufficient to combat it.
Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia Mahdi Mohammed Gulaid met with Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Somalia Hassan Hamza Hashem. During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries. Gulaid expressed thanks and gratitude to the State of Qatar for responding and providing urgent relief assistance to those affected by the drought crisis that hit large parts of Somali lands.
Sudan
President of the Transitional Sovereignty Council, General, Abdel Al-Fattah Al-Burhan left for Uganda on Thursday (March 17) for a one-day official visit during which he will meet the Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni. Al-Burhan who is accompanied by the Acting Foreign Minister Ambassador, Ali Al-Sadig, the Director of the National Intelligence Service Lt. General -Ahmed Ibrahim Mofadal will review with President Museveni the bilateral relations means for developing them further, the regional and international issues of common interest and the challenges facing the implementation of Juba Peace Agreement.
The Minister of Commerce and Industry Khalif Abdi Omar and Ethiopia’s State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration, Denge Boru on Wednesday (March 16) officially inauguated trade negotiations between the two countries. The Ministers underscored the importance of the two countries strengthening cooperation and pledged to commence negotiation on cross border trade agreement with a view to benefitting the people from both countries. The two ministries also deliberated and agreed to negotiate and then sign a bilateral trade agreement that will bolster the regional integration efforts including COMESA and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Army Chief of Staff, Lt-General Mohammed Osman Al-Hussein met in Sudan on Wednesday (March 16), his Egyptian counterpart General Osama Asaker in the context of the activities of the 8th meeting of the Sudanese-Egyptian Military Committee which was held in Cairo. The meeting reviewed a number of issues of mutual concern and the spheres of cooperation between the two countries.
South Sudan
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has appointed a new adviser for peace. Kiir, in a presidential decree, read out on state-owned SSTV, appointed Gen. David Reath Malual Luak to replace the former SPLA-IO chief of general staff General Simon Gatwech. Luak’s nomination was in accordance with the provision of the 2018 revitalized peace accord, which permits the armed opposition faction to nominate someone as presidential adviser for peace and reconciliation.
The Security Council on Tuesday (March 15) adopted a resolution to renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) till March 15, 2023. Resolution 2625 decided to maintain the overall force levels of UNMISS with a troop ceiling of 17,000 personnel and a police ceiling of 2,101 personnel. It expressed the Security Council’s readiness to consider adjustments to UNMISS force levels and capacity-building tasks to match security conditions on the ground.
WFP warned on Monday (March 14) that more than 70 per cent of the men, women and children in the country will struggle to survive the peak of the lean season this year. South Sudan is facing unprecedented levels of food insecurity caused by conflict, climate shocks, COVID-19, and rising costs. WFP says that 8.3 million people in South Sudan — including refugees — could face extreme hunger in the coming months. While providing critical food and nutrition assistance to meet the immediate needs of populations at risk, WFP is also working to build resilience to help communities cope with sudden shocks.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen confers with China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen, received at his office on Monday (March 15) China’s Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, Xue Bing and discussed bilateral and regional issues of common concern. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister applauded the long-standing relationship between the two countries and China’s multifaceted support to Ethiopia. In this regard, he mentioned China’s support in multilateral fora that helped Ethiopia thwart threats to its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
China’s constructive position on the GERD favoring the principle of ‘African Solution to African Problem’s and all the COVID-19 related supports are also commendable, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister added.
Appreciating China’s commitment to development on the African continent, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister requested expedited approval of Ethiopia’s projects which were submitted under the FOCAC framework.
The Deputy Prime Minister also gave a briefing on the encouraging decisions taken by the government to ensure peace in the country and Ethiopia’s commitment to resolving its border issue with Sudan in a peaceful manner.
Special Envoy, Xue Bing, on his part, spoke about the Initiative for Peaceful Development in the Horn of Africa that was proposed during State Councillor Wang Yi’s visit to Africa. He said China wants to support countries in the Horn to address the challenges of security, development, and governance and pursue a path of unity and self-improvement.
He mentioned efforts to enhance railway and port developments in the region, commitments to the Belt and Road Initiative, and the FOCAC agreements to accelerate regional revitalization through development. In connection with this, the Special Envoy underscored that Ethiopia should play a constructive role in promoting peace in the Horn of Africa as it is an anchor state in the region.
Ethiopia and China elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in May 2017.
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Ethiopia and China hold Second Bilateral Political Consultation
State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia, Ambassador Redwan Hussien and Assistant Foreign Minister of China, Deng Li held on Wednesday (March 16) the second Ethiopia-China political consultation via teleconference. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of common concern, further pledging to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative partnership. The meeting noted that frequent communications between Ethiopian and Chinese High-level leaders, including the recent visit of State Councilor Wang Yi to Ethiopia amidst a state of Emergency, demonstrate solid political trust between the two countries.
Speaking on the anti-COVID 19 cooperation between the two countries, Ambassador Redwan appreciated the multifaceted Chinese support, expressing Ethiopia’s keen interest to co-produce the vaccine at home with Chinese companies. Vice Minister Deng li, on his part, reiterated the Chinese pledge to provide vaccines in millions of dozes and vowed to encourage Chinese companies to produce the vaccine in collaboration with Ethiopia.
The two sides mentioned the Addis Ababa Riverside and Road Projects, including operation and maintenance of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, among others, as manifestations of commitments of the Ethiopian and Chinese governments to promote practical cooperation between the two countries. In connection with this, Ambassador Redwan appreciated China’s plan to revitalize African economies as expressed in the Dakar-held Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, further requesting China to approve Ethiopia’s proposals to concretize the 9-point areas of cooperation that the Chinese President had proposed at the forum.
In their discussion about the situation in Ethiopia, Ambassador Redwan highlighted some of the measures taken by the government to ensure peace, despite the TPLF’s continued provoking of neighboring regions. Vice Minister Deng li said his country greatly appreciates the Ethiopian government’s peace initiatives, underscoring his government’s consistent position to solve the situation in Ethiopia through dialogue.
Discussing issues that need proper attention in the Horn of Africa, Ambassador Redwan Hussien appreciated the efforts of the Government of China to solve intra-state matters in the region amicably by sending one of its notable diplomats as a special envoy to the region. In connection with this, he urged China to encourage the government of Sudan to solve its border dispute with Ethiopia amicably, encourage downstream states of the Nile to continue negotiating under the auspices of the AU, while appreciating the Chinese proposal to support Ethiopia to host a regional level peace conference that promotes peace and stability in the region.
The two sides expressed their commitment to further cooperate in international fora, mentioning vibrant cooperation between the two rejecting unilateral sanctions in the UN Security Council and Human Rights Commission’s sessions that threatened to compromise the territorial integrity and sovereignty of nations under the pretext of Human Rights violation.
Ambassador Redwan finally congratulated China for successfully hosting the Winter Olympics and Assistant Foreign Minister Deng expressed wishes to make the next political consultation in-person in China.
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Updates on Humanitarian Assistance to the Tigray Region
The Federal Government of Ethiopia has been playing constructive roles in facilitating the smooth movement of humanitarian trucks along the Afar route to address the humanitarian needs of the Tigray region.
Accordingly, today (March 17/2022), twenty (20) trucks loaded with food items and three (3) trucks carrying fuel tankers have started moving from Semera to Mekelle. The number of trucks heading to Tigray on a daily basis will soon be 40 to maximize humanitarian reach and address basic needs in the region.
In addition, seventeen (17) humanitarian partners got approval to transport medicine (including Vaccine) medical items and nutrition supplies to the Tigray region as of March 16, 2022. In conformity with the daily update on the cargo airlift from Addis Ababa to Mekelle, more than eleven (11) partners have transported 257,192 kilograms of medicine, medical items, and nutrition supplies.
To put the record straight, it has remained apparent that it was due to renewed attacks in Afar that more than 700,000 people have been displaced and the Humanitarian aid route to Tigray via Aba’ala had been blocked. It’s also to be recalled that the attacks have been escalated to five woredas of the Kilibeti Resu Zone of the Afar regional State and displaced more than 300,000 people. It needs to be noted that 43 trucks loaded with food items were also kept stranded at Serdo, 38 KM away from Semera.
However, apart from the rigorous efforts and decisions made today, the Government of Ethiopia, once again, reiterates its commitment to address the humanitarian needs in the Tigray region through creating and maximizing a conducive working environment for all partners and boosting inland and air transport to the region.
The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, however, believes that no strings should be attached in protecting the rights and satisfying the humanitarian needs of our people and expects a similar commitment from all actors to let aid keep on flowing to the people. The International Community also is expected to put adequate weight on the matter to sufficiently address relevant concerns.
17 March 2022
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia
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EHRC: Violations in Afar and Amhara may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has, on March 11, 2022, published its 110 pages Report on Violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law in Afar and Amhara Regions of Ethiopia conducted between September and December 2021. The report, following the Tigray Forces military offensive and control of several areas in the two regions, builds on the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Joint Investigation Report on alleged violations of human rights in the Context of the Conflict in the Tigray Region(JIT) published on November 3, 2021.
Indiscriminate attacks and extrajudicial killings
In parts of Afar and Amhara Regions covered by this investigation, the findings show the parties to the conflict mainly Tigray Forces and allied militia (in some locations including the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)- aka “OLF-Shane”) carried out indiscriminate attacks on civilians who are vulnerable in particular women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons. These attacks on civilians and civilian objects were committed in violation of the principles of distinction, necessity, precaution, and proportionality.
By using civilians as human shields, conducting military operations from civilian homes and in urban areas, the parties have caused civilian deaths, physical injuries, and property destruction. Without including the extrajudicial killings, at least 403 civilians have died and 309 have suffered minor to serious physical injuries as a result of acts of violence in the context of the conflict.
At least another 346 civilians have been subjected to unlawful and extra-judicial killing by parties to the conflict – mainly by Tigray Forces. In areas which were under their control, OLF-Shane also committed targeted killings of government officials and their family members, and civilians they accused of supporting the government
Systematic sexual and gender based violence
Tigray Forces committed widespread, cruel, and systematic sexual and gender-based violence including gang rape against women of different ages-girls and elderly women in parts of Afar and Amhara regions under their control. Tigray Forces committed these acts of sexual and gender-based violence to demoralize, dehumanize and punish communities; often indiscriminately and sometimes in a targeted manner. The attacks were often perpetrated in a premeditated and cruel manner including through gang rape, rape in front of family members of victims/survivors, and insertion of foreign objects into the vagina.
Often times, these acts were committed with the knowledge of military commanders and officials of the Tigray Forces who, despite pleas from communities under their control, failed to take the necessary and reasonable measures to stop violations and hold perpetrators to account. The EHRC believes the information and evidence it gathered strongly indicate a calculated and systematic use of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) (mostly indiscriminately but also selectively) for warfare by Tigray Forces.
Arbitrary detentions, abductions and large scale looting
Tigray Forces engaged in arbitrary detentions, abductions, and enforced disappearances in violation of human rights and humanitarian laws that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. They also committed acts of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment against civilians they accused of refusing to hand over cash or to disclose information, of refusing to handover private weapons, or other similar accusations.
Many civilians were displaced and suffered physical, mental, social, economic and other injuries following the expansion of the conflict into Afar and Amhara Regions. Insecurities resulting from the war and human rights violations including large-scale looting and destruction perpetrated by Tigray Forces were the main drivers of displacement from Afar and Amhara regions.
Separation from family members, inadequate humanitarian assistance including food, health services, clothing, and bedding; as well as shortages of sanitary pads and other specific supplies for women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities has aggravated the precarious situation of the most vulnerable IDPs.
In many areas covered by this investigation, and which were under their control, Tigray Forces carried out widespread and organized pillaging, looting and destruction of government administration facilities, public service facilities (in particular education and health facilities), private property, and commercial properties. The breakdown of law and order in the local areas also resulted in some civilians taking part in the looting.
Deliberate destruction of Infrastructure
In many of the areas covered by the investigation, Tigray Forces, with deliberate intent and in a carefully organized manner, pillaged medical equipment, machinery and other technological tools and transported them in vehicles apparently to the Tigray region. From hospitals and other health facilities in particular, medicine, equipment and other laboratory equipment, ambulances and other medical equipment were pillaged and transported.
In Afar and Amhara regions, a total of 2,409 health facilities including hospitals and health posts have ceased operation as a result of the destruction, damage and pillage they sustained. In addition, a total of 1,090 schools were fully destroyed while 3,220 sustained partial damage in both regions.
Financial institutions, in particular 18 commercial banks, sustained billions of birr worth loss due to looting and destruction on 346 branches.
In many of the areas covered by the investigation, Tigray Forces have looted day to day consumables such as food items and clothing, as well as other commercial goods in privately owned shops and/or residences, perishable food items, grains and cereals, electronic goods and others. They also shot and killed domestic and farm animals.
The war has caused a grave humanitarian crisis in Afar, Amhara and Tigray Regions, significantly increasing the level of humanitarian need. It is apparent that the ongoing conflict in Afar Region has impeded humanitarian relief services into Tigray Region.
No mercy even for children and persons with disability
Children were killed, subjected to SGBV, physical and psychological injuries, as a direct result of acts of violence taken by parties to the conflict. Children were exposed to traumatic experiences such as witnessing the killing, physical injury to or rape of close family members. The destruction of health and education facilities has resulted in a violation of children’s right to health and education. Beyond the social, economic, and psychological injuries, large-scale civilian displacement has denied children the protection they receive from their family members.
Persons with disability and older persons died, suffered physical and mental injury, as a result of violations committed by parties to the conflict. Older women were subjected to sexual violence by Tigray Forces. Older persons whose houses and property were destroyed suffered additional injury, trauma, and exposure to other socio-economic challenges because they lost sources of financial support due to family members being killed or physically injured.
Joint UN-EHRC investigation instead of setting up alien investigation mechanism
In the detailed conclusions and recommendations that the report forwards, EHRC has stated that the human rights and humanitarian law violations that have been committed in Afar and Amhara may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
It therefore important to have another impartial and credible joint investigation by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) consistent with applicable international human rights standards to ensure accountability in Afar and Amhara regions. The widespread nature of the human rights violations detailed in the report demonstrates that the task should not be left solely to a single organization.
Instead of complimenting Ethiopia’s effort to ensure accountability and redress the victims of human rights violations, it is regrettable see the international community setting up a unilateral and alien investigation mechanism. The government of Ethiopia reiterates the need for cooperation and mutual respect between local and international human rights institutions.
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Ethiopia Participates in the 5th UN Environmental Assembly in Nairobi
The Fifth Session of the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA 5.2) was held in Nairobi Kenya from 28th February to 2nd of March 2022 under the theme “strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” and the commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the UN Environmental Program (UNEP@50).
The session was attended by about 3,000 in-person and 1,500 online participants from 175 UN Member States, including 79 ministers and 17 high-level officials. Madam Amina Jane Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, presided over the assembly meeting virtually and presented an opening remark. In the three-day event, the assembly adopted 14 resolutions and one decision that prioritized ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection, resource efficiency, consumption and production patterns, climate mitigation and adaptation, job creation, and poverty reduction. The Assembly convenes every two years to advance global environmental governance.
Opening the august Assembly, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyata, reiterated that his government is committed to working closely with the UN to provide support and facilities to UN agencies based in Kenya and the region so that they will be able to achieve their mandate.
The Ethiopian delegation was led by Getahun Garedew (Ph.D.), the Director-General of the Environmental Protection Authority of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The delegation actively participated during the negotiation of a couple of resolutions and contributed its key roles in finalizing the resolutions through consensus for adoption by the ministerial assembly. In particular, Ethiopia participated mainly in three resolutions: (1) Resolution on the sustainable lake, (2) Resolution on sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and (3) Resolution on animal welfare. In addition, Ethiopia cosponsored a resolution due regard to the principle of equitable geographical distribution presented by Russia. As a member of the African Diplomatic Corps (Dubbed the African Group), the Ethiopian delegation also took part and supported three resolutions: Circular economy, Green recovery, and biodiversity and health.
The Director General, as the head of the Ethiopian delegation, presented the national statement of Ethiopia and called on the global community to ensure predictable and sustainable finance for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to tackle the negative impacts of climate change. He also underlined the importance of ensuring predictable and sustainable finance for LDCs by the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) on financing sustainable development. He further stressed the significance of mainstreaming the climate change protection agenda into every national and international policy arena, and the need to take concrete and pertinent actions to implement climate-resilient policies with the provision of adequate finance and transfer of technology. He also recapped major activities undertaken by the Government of Ethiopia to fight climate change-related hazards by adopting necessary policy documents and legal frameworks to realize the country’s goal of net-zero GHG emission promised after the Paris Climate Change Agreement. He concludes his remark by reiterating Ethiopia’s unwavering commitment to the implementation of all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the environmental dimensions of sustainable development goals.
On the margins of the fifth session of UNEA, the director-general held introductory bilateral meetings with various stakeholders and discussed matters of mutual interest. He also met with Inger Anderson, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) on 02 March 2022, and exchanged views on the ways to strengthen the collaboration between the Ethiopian Environment Authority and UNEP in tackling the negative impacts of climate change. Similarly, he held a fruitful discussion with Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian origin working in the UNEP on environmental issues.
Concluding its three days session, the Assembly was followed by “UNEP@50,” a two-day Special Session of the Assembly marking UNEP’s 50th anniversary celebrating it under the theme: “Strengthening UNEP for the implementation of the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. During the celebration, Member States presented their own perspectives to address how to build a resilient and inclusive post-pandemic world. The two-day event was an important highlight among a number of activities and events over the past year to recognize the significant progress made on tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and address the challenges to come. The President of the Republic of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, together with other four African presidents and prime ministers joined ministers of the environment and other representatives from 175 nations for the event.
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