Addis Abeba – The Human Rights Watch (HRW) World Report 2024 paints a grim picture of Ethiopia’s ongoing humanitarian and human rights crises, criticizing both domestic actors and the international community for their failure to act decisively in the face of mounting atrocities.
The report, which surveys human rights conditions in over 100 countries, singles out Ethiopia as a focal point of concern. Despite the signing of the November 2022 peace agreement intended to halt the conflict in northern Ethiopia, HRW asserts that widespread abuses continue unabated, particularly in the Tigray and Amhara regions.
According to HRW, the Ethiopian government’s resistance to international accountability mechanisms has compounded the crisis. The organization warns that current conditions in Western Tigray are “not conducive to voluntary, safe, and dignified returns” for displaced communities. Over 1.2 million Ethiopians have been forced to flee the country, exacerbating an already severe refugee situation in the Horn of Africa.
The report criticizes Western nations and the European Union for prematurely normalizing relations with the Ethiopian federal government despite credible evidence of ongoing crimes against humanity. HRW also expresses concern over the halting of independent investigations by both the United Nations and the African Union, suggesting that this has created a vacuum of accountability.
Eritrean forces stand accused of blocking life-saving aid deliveries in parts of Tigray under their control. Meanwhile, humanitarian operations in the Amhara region have been severely disrupted by armed conflict, communication blackouts, and targeted attacks on aid workers.
Internally, Ethiopia’s proposed transitional justice mechanism has been met with skepticism. HRW notes that victims of abuse largely distrust national institutions and remain doubtful about the government’s ability—or willingness—to deliver impartial justice.
Mausi Segun, Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “Ethiopia and Sudan are troubling examples where government and rebel forces alike violate international law with impunity.” She called for urgent international and regional action to protect civilians and break the cycle of violence.
Although HRW welcomed the UN Human Rights Council’s recent move to launch an independent fact-finding mission on Sudan, the report emphasizes that far more needs to be done in Ethiopia. It urges the African Union, the UN Security Council, and key international actors to prioritize accountability in any future political negotiations.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens and faith in justice dwindles, HRW’s report serves as a stark reminder: without urgent and coordinated global action, Ethiopia’s path to peace and recovery remains perilously out of reach.
