48th session of the Human Rights Council - Enhanced Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s oral update on the situation of human rights in the Tigray region of Ethiopia

Ministry Statements & Speeches:

Delivered by Lucy Duncan, New Zealand Permanent Representative.

Madam President,

New Zealand is deeply concerned at continuing reports of human rights violations and abuses and serious violations of international humanitarian law by parties to the conflict in Tigray and Ethiopia.

We are alarmed at the spread of violence across Ethiopia and urge parties to avoid escalating violence and to prevent attacks on civilians.

New Zealand calls for all parties, internal and external, to commit to a genuine ceasefire and engage in a constructive political dialogue. There is no long term military solution, only a political pathway to peace. We appeal to all forces to return to their pre-conflict boundaries.

New Zealand condemns reports of sexual and gender-based violence in Ethiopia. We are deeply concerned by the use of sexual violence against women and girls and deplore the use of gendered violence as a tactic of war.

New Zealand supports the joint OHCHR-Ethiopian Human Rights Commission investigation and the African Union-led Commission of Inquiry on Tigray. We urge full cooperation and transparency and encourage all parties to implement the recommendations of independent human rights investigations.

New Zealand commends the critical, lifesaving work of the United Nations, Ethiopian and international organisations providing humanitarian support in Tigray and Ethiopia. We condemn the ongoing violence against humanitarians, call for the blockade to end and for all parties to enable the safe and unfettered flow of humanitarian aid and personnel.

Thank you Madam President.

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