I remain deeply concerned by the human rights and humanitarian situation in Tigray, including the ongoing blockade of the region and attacks on humanitarian workers. As famine-like conditions are reported, and in light of the new ground offensive, there is an urgent need for full humanitarian access, a negotiated ceasefire, and the commencement of political dialogue to find a resolution to the conflict.
I am alarmed by the conflict’s impact on civilians, including harrowing reports of widespread and ongoing sexual violence, and other serious human rights violations and abuses. It is vital that perpetrators be held to account. Ireland has consistently called for the withdrawal of Eritrean forces whose presence has been linked to numerous reported atrocities. In this regard, Ireland strongly supports the investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC). We are currently awaiting publication of their joint report in the first week of November, which will be a crucial first step towards accountability.
Ireland continues to strongly advocate for an urgent response to the crisis, and for a peaceful resolution to the conflict - through our bilateral engagement, our EU membership, and at the UN Security Council.
Ireland is at the forefront of efforts at the UN Security Council to address the conflict in Tigray and neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar, including calling for the most recent open meeting on 6 October, where the UN Secretary General denounced Ethiopia’s expulsion of seven senior UN officials
The Government also continues to support a strong and constructive EU response to the crisis. At the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 18 October, Minister Coveney and EU Ministers for Foreign Affairs continued their discussion on ways to ensure humanitarian access, and to press the parties to engage in dialogue. The need to support African Union efforts, including that of Special Envoy President Obasanjo, was particularly emphasised. There will be a further discussion on Ethiopia and Tigray at the Foreign Affairs Council in November, in which Minister Coveney will participate.
Minister Coveney continues to engage on the situation in Tigray with key interlocutors, including leaders in the region and UN and EU officials. He has also discussed the situation in Ethiopia with Gulf leaders, including with the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The EU is also engaging with the Gulf States on the situation. Finland’s Foreign Minister has visited the region twice on behalf of the EU, including visits to Saudi Arabia and UAE which examined ways in which Gulf countries can play a constructive role in addressing the Tigray crisis.
Ireland will continue to avail of all opportunities to raise our concerns on the Tigray crisis, in our bilateral contacts, and at UN and EU level.
