The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern today over the worsening human rights situation in various regions of Ethiopia. Marta Hurtado, the spokesperson for the Commissioner, made the remarks at a press conference in Geneva.
Hurtado pointed out that conditions have significantly deteriorated in the Amhara region following violent clashes between the Ethiopian army and regional Fanu militias. She indicated that at least 183 people have been killed in conflicts since July, according to the information gathered by the Commission.
The spokesperson noted that the wide-reaching state of emergency grants authorities expansive powers across the nation to arrest suspects without a court order and impose curfews and bans on public gatherings. Reports suggest that more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested across Ethiopia under these emergency powers. Many of the detained are young ethnic Amhara, suspected of being Fanu supporters.
Hurtado also revealed that authorities have been conducting sweeping house-to-house searches since early August, leading to the arrest of at least three Ethiopian journalists covering the situation in the Amhara region.
The UN Commissioner’s office urged Ethiopian authorities to halt mass arrests, ensure judicial review for all detainees, and release those detained arbitrarily. It also called for conditions of detention to meet international standards and allow regular, unimpeded access for monitoring bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
The Commission called on all parties involved in the Ethiopian conflict to cease killings and other violations, addressing grievances through dialogue and the political process. Hurtado also highlighted that the situation in Oromia is equally concerning, urging a swift and effective investigation into all human rights violations across Ethiopia and holding those responsible accountable.
