Australia thanks the Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia for its oral update.

We recognise the Commission’s important work in investigating allegations of human rights violations and abuses in Ethiopia. Like others here, we call on all parties to cooperate with the Commission, and work towards lasting peace and national reconciliation.

Australia is gravely concerned by alleged human rights violations and abuses documented in multiple reports, including in Western Tigray. We recognise work already undertaken to investigate these allegations, and urge the Ethiopian Government to ensure appropriate measures are put in place to hold perpetrators to account and to provide redress to the victims.

We add our voice in welcoming the ceasefire announced by the Ethiopian Government on 24 March 2022, and its adoption by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, is welcome. We commend the restraint shown in implementing the ceasefire and encourage parties to engage with international mediation efforts. We urge the Ethiopian Government to ensure access by humanitarian agencies to Tigray to provide immediate and sustained assistance to those in need.

We ask the Commission what more can be done to ensure the full cooperation of all parties to the conflict in its investigation?