The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia said that it is deeply concerned about the reported deteriorating security situation in the northwest region of Ethiopia, particularly in Amhara.
This comes as the Ethiopian government said that it recaptured six towns in the Amhara region from Fano fighters.
The statement said a curfew was imposed in those areas but flights were set to resume.
Fierce fighting between military personnel and militia members in Amhara’s capital Bahir Dar and Gondar continued until Tuesday, according to residents who spoke to The Associated Press. Around 20 civilians killed during clashes with the military were buried on Monday in the Lideta area of Bahir Dar, a resident said.
Details of dozens of civilian deaths began to trickle out of the region amid an internet shutdown.
In a Thursday statement, the Commission has taken note of the August 4, 2023 announcement by Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers of a state of emergency by Proclamation No. 6/2023, which under the constitution requires approval by the House of Peoples’ Representatives.
UN Human Rights Council mandated the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia on 17 December 2021 to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law and international refugee law in Ethiopia committed since 3 November 2020.
Previous states of emergency have been accompanied by violations of human rights, and the Commission, therefore, urges the government to strictly adhere to the principles of necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination in accordance with its international legal obligations under Article 4 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia called on all sides to respect human rights and take steps to de-escalate the situation and prioritize processes for the peaceful resolution of differences.
