(Sep 23, 2023, Tigrai Television -Mekelle) In a press release late yesterday, Mekelle based Opposition political parties urged for the extension of the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) for an additional term of one year.
The three political parties; Salsay Woyane #Tigray(SaWeT), Congress of Great #Tigray (Baytona) and the #Tigray Independence Party (TIP) noted the commission’s report had, during the UN Human Rights Counsel’s 54th session, identified grave and systematic violations of international law and crimes committed in Tigray.
“The findings of the Commission clearly indicate that there are reasonable grounds to believe serious violations of International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and International criminal laws have been committed.” stated the political organizations in Tigrai.
Recalling that the commission had highlighted the government of Ethiopia has failed to effectively investigate these violations and has initiated a flawed transitional justice process, the parties underscored Ethiopia is attempting to evade international justice through the establishment of domestic mechanisms as camouflage to fight impunity.
The political organizations also noted the commission was denied access to enter Tigray and conduct a physical investigation at the crime scene stating that additional investigation is necessary to determine the chain of command responsible for issuing orders for these violations.
‘’Unfortunately, these crimes, including the ones mentioned in the report, haven’t undergone a thorough investigation. Moreover, the full extent of the consequences resulting from total siege on Tigray has not also been adequately examined. Overall, we believe more than 80% of these crimes haven’t been investigated.’’ put the parties’ release.
The parties also believe ‘’ending the mandate prematurely would set negative precedent tointernational human rights protection efforts.’’
The three political contenders in Tigray reiterated their ‘’profound concern’’ regarding thepremature termination of the commission’s mandate and urged for its extension.
SaWet, Baytona and TIP stated extending the commission’s mandate is crucial in revealing the true nature of the crimes committed, thereby achieving the reliable justice that can contribute to sustainable peace and comprehensive stability in East Africa.
@SolomonBerheR
