Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Ethiopia: Human Rights

Tuesday 20 April 2021 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK has been leading international efforts to de-escalate the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia.
  • The Foreign Secretary regularly raises humanitarian, security, and human rights concerns with the Ethiopian Government and has noted some improvements since a January visit.
  • The Foreign Secretary agrees that preventing sexual violence in conflict should be on the agenda for the UK's G7 presidency this summer.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nickie Aiken
Foreign Affairs
Context

Concern about ongoing conflict and humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, particularly Tigray.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the political situation in Ethiopia?

Answer from Dominic Raab

The UK has been at the forefront of international efforts to de-escalate the humanitarian crisis in Tigray. There can be no military solution; conflict can only be resolved through a political settlement. I saw this first hand during my visit to Ethiopia in January.

Answered
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Q2 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Foreign Affairs
Context

Credible media reports of human rights abuses, crimes against humanity, massacres and atrocities by all parties. More than 10,500 cases of rape committed.

Question

When did the Foreign Secretary last speak to the Ethiopian Government regarding humanitarian, security, and human rights situations?

Answer from Dominic Raab

Not only do we regularly raise these concerns with the Ethiopian Government but I visited Ethiopia in January. We have seen some improvements since then, including a new system that requires notification rather than permission for humanitarian access. Prime Minister Abiy has stated that perpetrators should face justice.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timing of discussions with the Ethiopian Government was not provided.

How: Under Review, Noting Credible Claims

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Q3 Nickie Aiken
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

Calls for a joint investigation into reports of rape and sexual violence used as weapons.

Question

Does the Foreign Secretary agree that, with the UK hosting the G7 this summer, preventing sexual violence in conflict should be on the agenda?

Answer from Dominic Raab

I share my hon. Friend's passion and outrage at human rights violations and can reassure her that pressing for human rights, freedom of speech, and accountability for human rights violations are high priorities for the UK's G7 presidency along with tackling covid and climate change.

Answered
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Q4 Alyn Smith
Foreign Affairs
Context

Significant donor to the region, need for diplomatic dialogue and regional partners' involvement.

Question

What discussions has the Foreign Secretary had with the EU and AU regarding a durable peace in Tigray?

Answer from Dominic Raab

I spoke to President Kenyatta, Prime Minister Hamdok, UN, and AU about the situation. We need a widespread caucus of like-minded countries pushing for a political solution including elections across Ethiopia and in Tigray.

Answered
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