Sep 8,2023 (Tigrai Television ,Mekelle) In a statement issued yesterday 65 civil society and human rights organizations including amnesty international and human rights watch called the permanent representatives of member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the international commission of human rights experts on Ethiopia(ICHREE) a further term of one year ,until september 2024.
The call came ahead of its 54th regular session to be held from September 11-October 12, 2023.
The statement said the Ethiopian government has repeatedly attempted to obstruct ICHREE’s investigation that includes refusing to cooperate and grant ICHREE’s access to conflict- affected areas.
The civil society and human rights organizations also stressed serious human rights abuses against civilians persist in violation of the the cessation of agreement (CoHA) signed in Pretoria.
”Eritrean Defense Forces have continued to subject women and girls to rape and other forms of sexual violence, while obstructing humanitarian access in areas under their control.”, noted the statement .
The human rights organizations also underscored the extension of the mandate of ICHREE remains critical to comprehend the backdrop of the human rights crisis in Ethiopia.
Nahom Girmay
