Conflict in Tigray Region of Ethiopia

Opened the debate

The conflict in Tigray has devastated the region since November, leading to mass displacement, food insecurity, and severe human rights abuses. Helen Hayes highlighted that more than 60,000 people have fled into refugee camps while over a million are internally displaced. She emphasised the destruction of cultural heritage sites, health facilities, schools, and reported sexual violence against women, including an estimate of 10,000 rapes. The conflict has also led to widespread food insecurity and economic disruption, with up to 80% of Tigray still inaccessible for humanitarian aid. Hayes called on the UK government to align policies with international partners, support independent UN investigations into massacres, introduce targeted sanctions against those responsible for atrocities, and ensure full access for humanitarian agencies and journalists.

Government Response

The crisis in Tigray is of grave concern to the UK government. The conflict has caused immense devastation, leading to the collapse of essential services and widespread human rights violations. James Cleverly acknowledged ongoing reports of atrocities, including Eritrean involvement, and emphasised the need for an inclusive political settlement. He highlighted the UK's role in providing humanitarian assistance (£100 million this financial year) and called for immediate access for relief agencies and journalists. The minister also mentioned a team of officials who visited Mekelle recently to assess conditions and heard harrowing accounts from displaced persons. Though there have been some positive developments, such as improved media access and the commitment by Ethiopian authorities to move towards an access notification system, Cleverly emphasised that much more needs to be done to address the crisis comprehensively.