Australia thanks the Chair for the Commission’s work, and for its recent report to the Human Rights Council.

The contents of the report are deeply troubling.

We are gravely concerned by the violations and abuses of international human rights law, and violations of humanitarian and criminal law documented in the report, including sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, and the use of starvation against civilian populations. We are also disappointed that the Commission was restricted in accessing sites and documents.

Australia is deeply concerned by the recent resumption of hostilities in the conflict, which creates a significant risk that further atrocities may occur and will impact essential humanitarian assistance to millions in need across northern Ethiopia. Humanitarian agencies must be allowed safe access to reach those in urgent need of food, healthcare and other essential goods and services.

Australia calls on all parties to the conflict to immediately and unconditionally cease hostilities and work towards a negotiated solution. We welcome the African Union’s proposal to hold peace talks and call on parties to the conflict to seize this opportunity to work towards lasting peace.

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.

Noting the Commission’s mandate has been extended, we welcome the Chair’s views on how best to secure the access necessary to fulfil its mandate.