Australia thanks the Commission for its report and recognises the importance of its work to justice and accountability. The Commission’s findings are deeply troubling.

We are gravely concerned by the Commission’s assessment of violations and abuses of international human rights law, and violations of humanitarian and criminal law by all parties to the conflict in Ethiopia. Australia condemns sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, and the deliberate use of starvation against civilian populations.

We are also concerned the Commission was restricted in accessing sites and documents.

The recent resumption of hostilities in Tigray risks further atrocities occurring and is impacting delivery of humanitarian assistance to millions across northern Ethiopia. We call on all parties to cease hostilities and return to the negotiating table.

Australia reiterates its support for the Commission’s mandate. We urge the Ethiopian Government to allow the Commission full, unhindered access to continue its investigations and call on all parties to implement appropriate measures to hold perpetrators to account.

How can the Council and the Commission work with parties to the conflict to ensure the necessary access to investigate these allegations?