The UN has condemned Ethiopia’s airstrikes; says dozens dead this month Abiy Ahmed News

The UN says at least 108 civilians have been killed in Tigray since the start of the new year, warning that the distribution of aid is the lowest ever.

The UN Office of Human Rights has warned of “alarming reports” of airstrikes in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, saying at least 108 civilians have been killed since early January.

Liz Throssell, a spokeswoman for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), described a number of attacks, including on a private minibus, an airport and a camp for displaced persons. At least 59 people were killed in the camp strike, the deadliest so far.

“We are overwhelmed by the multiple and disturbing reports we continue to receive about the destruction of civilian casualties and civilian objects as a result of airstrikes in Ethiopia. Tigray the region, “Throssell told reporters in Geneva.

“At least 108 civilians have been killed and 75 others injured since the beginning of the year, as a result of alleged airstrikes by the Ethiopian air force.”

‘Conversation and reconciliation’

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Friday that “the suffering of the Ethiopian people has broken their hearts”, calling on the parties to stop fighting again.

“Everyone who needs humanitarian aid should receive it as soon as possible. It’s time to dump her and move on. “

Throssell called on the Ethiopian authorities and their allies to ensure the protection of civilians in accordance with international law requiring verification of military objectives.

“We call on the Ethiopian authorities and their allies to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian property in accordance with their obligations under international law,” he said.

“Failure to respect the principles of discrimination and proportionality can lead to war crimes.”

Ethiopian military spokesman Colonel Getnet Adane and government spokeswoman Legesse Tulu did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the alleged strikes.

The government has denied involvement in civil strife with Tigray’s rebel forces 14 months ago. The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which opposes the central government, does not believe it has the power to strike.

Meanwhile, the UN World Food Program (WFP) said at the same conference that its distributions were the lowest, and the escalation of the conflict means that no WFP convoy has arrived in the Tigray capital, Mekelle, since mid-December.

“Food rescue operations in northern Ethiopia are on the verge of halting food aid operations in the neighborhood that have been hampered by fuel and food disruptions,” WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri told reporters.

“After 14 months of conflict in northern Ethiopia, more people are needed than ever before urgent food aid. We are on the verge of a major humanitarian catastrophe without access to food, fuel or access. ”