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Ethiopia: Humanitarian and Political Situation — [Mr Peter Bone in the Chair]
19 January 2022
Lead MP
Laurence Robertson
Tewkesbury
Con
Responding Minister
Chris Heaton-Harris
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 13252
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Laurence Robertson raised concerns about ethiopia: humanitarian and political situation — [mr peter bone in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The UK Government should continue aid to Ethiopia, respond to World Food Programme appeals for additional funding, and use its position on the Security Council to push for a peaceful solution. The Prime Minister should engage in direct dialogue with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed to discuss an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia is dire, with over 9.4 million people in need of food assistance due to conflict. The World Food Programme reports that 400,000 Tigrayans are facing famine conditions, and up to 50% of pregnant and breastfeeding women screened in Amhara and Tigray were malnourished with exhausted nutritionally fortified food stocks. Human Rights Watch claims war crimes committed by all sides, including the execution of dozens of people and widespread rape against ethnic Tigrayan women and girls.
Erith and Thamesmead
Emphasised the importance of securing access for humanitarian agencies such as the UN World Food Programme to Tigray and neighbouring regions, urging the UK Government to use all diplomatic tools to help achieve this.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Chris Law expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, highlighting the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. He noted that millions of people require food assistance and 2 million refugees are internally displaced. He questioned the UK's role in supporting peace negotiations, urging the Government to use existing expertise from the stabilisation unit to create a clear roadmap for post-conflict reconstruction. Law also raised issues regarding the continuation of airstrikes and the de facto blockade of humanitarian relief, calling for immediate guarantees on safe access for aid workers.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Mr Jeremy Corbyn highlighted the historical significance of Ethiopia, its strategic issues including food and water supply, and the need for an agreement with Sudan and Egypt regarding Nile waters. He expressed concern over ongoing conflicts in Tigray, human rights abuses including systematic rape, and the potential long-term consequences if aid is not delivered effectively. Mr Corbyn also stressed the importance of a ceasefire and ending arms supplies to Ethiopia. Will the Minister for Africa be able to speak directly to the Ethiopian Government during her visit to press for unfettered access for UN, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International to examine human rights abuses.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Mr Shannon congratulated the hon. Member for Tewkesbury on securing the debate and highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, citing estimates from the World Food Programme that 9.4 million people are in dire need of assistance. He also expressed concerns about the widespread use of sexual violence, torture, and forced displacement by all parties since conflict began. Shannon further discussed the deteriorating situation for Christians in Ethiopia, noting increased violent attacks against them and a decline in governmental and societal prejudice improvement. And hope. Called for focus on persecution, violence against churches, and destruction of religious sites in Ethiopia, despite it not being within the Minister's portfolio.
Highlighted the need for a negotiated solution through talks and the ballot box, warning that worsening humanitarian conditions could lead to more desperate measures. Urged international support for humanitarian relief and diplomacy.
Paula Sherriff
Lab
Dewsbury
The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia is severe, affecting millions of people across Tigray, Amhara and Afar. The UN reports a regional drought causing 26 million to require food assistance this year.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
She expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, particularly for women and girls facing systematic sexual violence. She cited over 2,200 cases of reported sexual violence since the conflict began and a quadrupling of visits to health centres following sexual assaults. Champion called for all forces to condemn such acts, allow independent investigations by UN taskforces, and prioritise work on sexual violence. It is more than just the right and moral thing to do. I cannot understand why the Government have cut funding to a key strategic region by 60%. This is not only about that state's security; it also affects ours too. It is illogical that, at a time of such instability around the world, we are cutting support to our friends and allies and to key countries. Asked whether the UK could do more to facilitate data gathering and stabilisation efforts in Ethiopia following a previous debate where she was told African nations were unable to get access for these purposes.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, particularly Tigray, has worsened significantly since the conflict began nearly 14 months ago. Stephen Doughty highlighted the deaths of thousands, suffering of millions, including civilians facing large-scale massacres, arbitrary arrests, and sexual violence, as well as a severe shortage of food, medical supplies, and aid access in Tigray and other regions. He cited UN reports stating that 9.4 million people are currently in need across key regions, up from 8.1 million before the Christmas break. Additionally, he noted the closure of essential medical facilities and a lack of clinical support for survivors of sexual violence.
Tulip Siddiq
Lab
Hampstead and Highgate
Asked the hon. Member to consider working with the UN Security Council to secure no-fly zones over Tigray and Oromia to protect civilians, including constituents' families trapped in Tigray.
Government Response
Chris Heaton-Harris
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Mr Peter Bone. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Tewkesbury for securing this debate and pay tribute to his work as the long-standing chair of the all-party parliamentary group for Ethiopia and Djibouti. The situation in Ethiopia remains of great concern, despite some recent tentative steps towards de-escalation, such as the withdrawal of Tigrayan forces back to their own region and the release of high-profile political prisoners by Prime Minister Abiy. However, fighting and atrocities continue to take place, with 7 million people needing humanitarian assistance and at least 400,000 living in famine-like conditions. Humanitarian access has been hampered by security issues, leading to shortages of medicine and other necessities. The UK Government have provided over £76 million in response to the crisis, including life-saving food aid and medical care, and strongly support initiatives against sexual violence and human rights abuses. We urge all parties to engage with an international commission of experts investigating allegations of violations and call for justice and accountability. While we remain hopeful that recent progress can act as a platform for peace, we will continue to push for humanitarian access and aid provision.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.