A coalition of 41 nations has expressed deep alarm over the escalating human rights challenges and conflict risks across Ethiopia during the 63rd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. Delivered via a joint statement under Item 2 of the General Debate by Lithuania’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas, the international group addressed critical developments affecting peace, security, and civic space in the country.
While international partners acknowledged positive administrative milestones—including the organization of Ethiopia’s general elections on June 1, 2026, and the conclusion of the National Dialogue Plenary on August 22, 2026—the joint statement heavily emphasized the fragile humanitarian and security landscape. The participating countries underscored the absolute necessity of ensuring inclusive civic participation, protecting free media, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. They stressed that civil society actors, human rights defenders, and journalists must be fully empowered to operate without obstruction to support sustainable peace and justice.
Particular anxiety was directed toward the Tigray Regional State, where international observers are closely tracking developments. The coalition warned that any new military confrontation in the region would trigger catastrophic consequences for local populations already grappling with severe drought and critical humanitarian needs. Urging an immediate de-escalation of tensions, the statement called on all regional stakeholders to strictly honor the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in Pretoria in November 2022. The international community emphasized that another devastating conflict must be avoided at all costs, urging that political dialogue remain the primary mechanism for resolving differences. Full support was also expressed for the African Union-led mediation framework, alongside recent consultations conducted by the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Beyond Tigray, the 41 nations voiced grave concerns regarding ongoing instability and security violations in the Oromia and Amhara regions. Parties to the various local conflicts were strongly urged to immediately halt human rights abuses and fully respect international humanitarian law. A core emphasis was placed on the safety and protection of civilians, specifically highlighting the vulnerability of humanitarian and frontline aid workers operating in volatile zones.
The joint declaration placed a heavy emphasis on accountability, noting that justice for victims and survivors of grave human rights abuses remains non-negotiable for long-term reconciliation. The international body called for the prompt resumption of a comprehensive, credible, and victim-centred transitional justice process aligned with international standards. Furthermore, the coalition encouraged the Ethiopian government to fully leverage available technical assistance from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and called on the office to maintain active monitoring and reporting on the ground. Authorities were likewise urged to systematically implement recommendations from prior joint assessments by the OHCHR and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
