76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council AOB on Tigray
Delivered by DPR Andre Lipand
October 1, New York
Estonia condemns the decision of Ethiopia to declared seven UN humanitarian and human rights officials in the country persona non grata. These officials were doing difficult and important work helping Ethiopia and Ethiopian people in coping with the unfolding humanitarian disaster.
We hope the Government of Ethiopia will revise the decision in dialogue with the UN.
Declaring the UN staff persona non grata is not an appropriate means of communicating a message.
As the Secretary-General has underscored, all UN humanitarian operations are guided by the core principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Any accusations against UN workers and humanitarian personnel should always be backed up by clear evidence.
With 5,2 million people require food aid and 400,000 living in famine-like conditions, deliberate restrictions to helping those in need are clear violation of international humanitarian law. It is essential that the Government of Ethiopia ensure unfettered humanitarian access to the region of Tigray and restore basic services.
At the same time, the Tigray forces must also stop their offensive in neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions which has caused massive displacement and threatens to expand the conflict even further.
We underline the importance of concluding the joint investigation into the allegations of human rights violations and abuses, in particular against humanitarian workers. The continued reports about violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and international human rights law are deeply worrying and accountability for the violations must be ensured.
The parties must be urged to immediately start negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, to be followed by an inclusive and credible political process, with the aim of national reconciliation.
