Ethiopia briefs UN High Commissioner for Human Rights about Tigray

Addis Ababa, December 23, 2020 (FBC) – Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the  United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland briefed Françoise Mianda, Head of Eastern and Southern Africa regional office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the law enforcement operation in the Tigray regional state.

On the occasion, Ambassador Zenebe recounted how the rogue TPLF clique had been sabotaging the reform process in the country by orchestrating several criminal and violent acts.

He said the government had no option other than enforcing the rule of law in the region following the TPLF clique attack on the Ethiopian National Defence Forces (ENDF).

Ambassador Zenebe said the government has carefully and swiftly carried out the operation with the utmost care given to civilian lives.

He also explained that the government is now restoring services and working closely with international humanitarian agencies to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Françoise Mianda, on her part, said the institution has to encourage the government to create the necessary conditions to provide humanitarian assistance, protect IDPs and prevent human rights violations.

However, there is no desire to interfere in the internal affairs of Ethiopia, she said adding that her office closely observes and upholds the government’s notable activities.

In related news, Ambassador Zenebe has also addressed Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, on two separate occasions.

During the discussions, Bachelet appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the results of the multifaceted reform process.

The Commissioner said she understands the current situation in Ethiopia, and the government’s efforts to resolve the TPLF issue employing legitimate mechanisms.

The High Commissioner also expressed a keen interest to work closely with the government.