Demand for Extension of ICHREE Mandate for Ensuring True Justice in Ethiopia
I write with deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray, & the pressing need to extend the International Commission on Human Rights in Ethiopia (ICHREE) mandate for justice & accountability.
Reports confirm continued conflict with violations by Eritrean troops & Amhara militias, causing unimaginable suffering, including massacres, torture, & sexual violence.
The Ethiopian govt. commitment to transitional justice seems skewed towards reconciliation rather than genuine accountability. Even with Physicians for Human Rights & the Organization for Justice & Accountability in the Horn of Africa (OJAH) documenting ongoing conflict-related sexual violence.
We urgently appeal to extend ICHREE mandate, with essential resources for thorough investigations & preservation of evidence. Independent investigations are vital.
There are 3 pressing & actionable concerns:
1. The ongoing conflict & human rights violations continue unabated in Tigray, Amhara, Afar, & Oromia.
2. The existing Transitional Justice process exhibits significant flaws, perpetuating impunity & posing the risk of future atrocities.
3. Grave & systematic violations of international law, encompassing mass killings, rape, arbitrary detention, starvation, & the potential for future atrocity crimes, mandate a thorough investigation.
The Policy Options for Transitional Justice in Ethiopia (TJPE) lacks victim engagement & takes a uniform approach to all wars.
With ongoing conflicts & unfulfilled Pretoria Agreement commitments, genuine transitional justice remains doubtful, given government control.
Failure to extend ICHREE mandate conveys a disheartening message to victims: "Your suffering is no longer a priority."
EXHIBIT 1: Letter from Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), & Brad Sherman (CA-32) urging ICHREE renewal during the current 54th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. ( https://sarajacobs.house.gov/uploadedfiles/ethiopia_letter.pdf)
EXHIBIT 2: Letter endorsed by 110 reputable organizations within Ethiopia & internationally, urgently requesting support for extending ICHREE mandate. ( https://omnatigray.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Organizations-Call-for-ICHREE-Mandate-Extension.pdf)
EXHIBIT 3: Second report from ICHREE, delineating patterns of violence, war crimes, & Crimes Against Humanity in Ethiopia. (https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/chreetiopia/A_HRC_54_55_AUV.pdf)
EXHIBIT 4: Letter from the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray (TIRA) regarding its stance on the Transitional Justice process initiated by the Ethiopian govt. (https://issuu.com/tigrayweekly/docs/letter_to_fdre_ministry_of_justice_office)
I implore you to comprehend Ethiopia's gravity & the urgency of this matter. Extending ICHREE mandate is pivotal for justice & accountability.
Thank you for your prompt attention.
▶ Created on September 25 by @TigrayWeeklyCTA
