Ethiopia Tigray Crisis 2021-11-30
2021-11-30
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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Context
The conflict in Tigray has escalated, leading to a state of emergency declared by the Ethiopian government. Constituents have expressed concerns about family members detained and not being able to contact them.
What diplomatic steps are you taking to help de-escalate the crisis in Tigray following the declaration of the state of emergency in Ethiopia?
We remain deeply concerned about the situation and continue to engage with and call upon all parties to press for a ceasefire. Since the state of emergency was declared, I have spoken with African Union High Representative Obasanjo and AU Commissioner Bankole, as well as President Kenyatta of Kenya, urging the Ethiopian State Minister Redwan to engage in mediation efforts.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address the specific ask about unlawfully detained individuals.
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Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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The conflict has escalated, causing significant distress to constituents who have family members unlawfully detained.
My constituents with family detained in the capital of Ethiopia have not heard from them for over a year. Can you outline what efforts have been made with the international community to ensure that all those unlawfully detained across Ethiopia are released?
The situation is incredibly challenging, and I have urged Minister Redwan to end civilian mobilisation and ethnically targeted arrests. There is a growing risk of uncontrollable ethnic violence, and we strongly urge all British nationals to leave now while commercial flights are available.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not directly address the specific ask about unlawfully detained individuals.
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Response accuracy
Q3
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There is a growing risk of the disintegration of Ethiopia due to ethnic violence.
As chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for Ethiopia, I thank the Minister for her work on this difficult issue. The Prime Minister himself has taken up arms, which demonstrates the seriousness of the situation. Does the Minister feel that the UN could be doing more to bring about peace in Ethiopia?
My hon. Friend is right; it is a tragic situation with widespread abuses, including sexual violence. We are fully supporting the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in her calls for further discussion of the human rights report and its recommendations at the UN in Geneva.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific assessment of what more the UN could do.
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Q4
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The crisis in Ethiopia and Tigray has led to shocking atrocities including war crimes, sexual violence, and potential genocide.
We have seen reports of war crimes, sexual violence, and warnings of potential genocide. What assessment has the Minister made of these serious reports? How are we protecting UK citizens still present in Ethiopia?
We continue to ask all sides not to use inflammatory language, which makes the situation more dangerous. We have provided humanitarian aid of up to £76.7 million for north Ethiopia, including critical food aid and medical care.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address the specific ask about protecting British citizens and bringing perpetrators to justice.
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Q5
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There are warnings of genocide occurring in Tigray, a situation that raises serious ethical questions.
A genocide is happening in Tigray. What work is the Minister doing with our partners to send a message to Prime Minister Abiy that no aid can be channelled through the Ethiopian government until the genocide stops?
We are working closely with our partners in the US and UN, supporting Obasanjo's mediation efforts. As for the Nobel peace prize, it is a decision for the Nobel Committee.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not address the specific ask about aid conditions.
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Response accuracy