A coalition of 41 nations delivers a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council, raising alarm over ongoing security risks and human rights violations in Ethiopia
Staff Reporter
Nairobi, Kenya — A coalition of 41 countries, including European Union member states, delivered a joint statement on Tuesday at the 63rd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. While commending the conduct of Ethiopia’s recent general elections and the completion of the National Dialogue Assembly, the signatory nations expressed deep concern over ongoing security risks and human rights violations across several regions.
The statement, presented by Lithuanian Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas during the council’s general debate, formally acknowledged the general election. The coalition commended the efforts of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), election workers, political organizations, and civil society groups, while calling for voting to be facilitated in areas where polls were previously delayed.
The joint statement recognized the National Dialogue Forum as a notable milestone toward addressing historic political, social, and administrative grievances through peaceful deliberation. However, the delegations emphasized that long-term stability requires genuine political inclusivity, protection for independent journalism, and an unhindered environment for civil society actors.
Addressing regional conflict dynamics, the 41 nations warned that renewed military escalation in the Tigray Region poses severe risks to civilian populations already suffering from persistent drought and acute humanitarian shortages. They urged all parties to uphold the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and reaffirmed their support for the ongoing mediation efforts led by AU Special Envoy and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Turning to the security crises in Oromia and the Amhara Region, the coalition called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and strict adherence to international human rights laws to protect non-combatants and aid workers. Concluding the address, the statement demanded full accountability for severe abuses—including targeted attacks on relief personnel—and called on Addis Ababa to advance a victim-centered transitional justice framework while expanding technical cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
__
Join our Telegram Channel: t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian news updates regularly. Subscribe to the YouTube channel. To share information or for submission, email info@borkena.com