Tigray

Mr Alyn Smith highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, noting that over 900,000 people are starving and around 15,000 cases of rape have been reported. He urged the UK Government to reverse cuts on international aid and questioned the success of talks with Ethiopian and Eritrean governments regarding a ceasefire. Smith also asked about emergency food aid as winter approaches and inquired into the risk of instability spreading within Ethiopia and the wider region.

Andrew Mitchell praised the work of humanitarian actors in Tigray and called for increased public attention to the crisis. He highlighted that at least 7 million people need urgent assistance, citing a recent report of 150 starvation-related deaths. Mitchell also noted Britain's strategic interests in Ethiopia, including development gains and security concerns, and urged for a cessation of fighting on all sides and improved humanitarian access. Asked for a personal undertaking from the Minister to review funding for the World Food Programme to meet the critical needs during the humanitarian crisis in Tigray.

Concerned about mass atrocities in Tigray, Fiona Bruce highlighted reports of war crimes, crimes against humanity and possible genocide. She cited a report detailing over 10,000 deaths and 230 massacres by June 2021. Bruce also pointed out the bombing and destruction of religious buildings and institutions, which may constitute cultural cleansing. She called for action to match previous strong words on preventing mass atrocities.

Fleur Anderson expressed concern about the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, highlighting that over 2.2 million people are displaced and more than 6 million need assistance. She noted significant gaps in aid provision, particularly for women and girls, and emphasised the lack of access to essential services such as water, sanitation, power, banking, and communications. Inquired if the Prime Minister has spoken with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy about the situation in Tigray.

The situation in Tigray is a humanitarian crisis with reports of forced concentration camps, ethnic purging, and widespread sexual violence. Food shortages have led to starvation deaths. The speaker called for additional support from the Government to address these issues. Asked the Minister if more can be done to help Members get crucial information for their constituents who are worried about their families due to communication breakdown in Tigray.

The conflict in Tigray has led to mass executions, ethnic targeting, and the destruction of livelihoods. The humanitarian crisis includes food insecurity affecting 5.5 million people and a catastrophic risk for 350,000 individuals. There are reports of rape as a weapon of war and allegations of genocide. Journalists face dangers and smear campaigns while reporting on these atrocities.

Jim Shannon highlighted the war in Tigray, noting over 52,000 deaths and 1.7 million displaced people since November 2020. He cited a report stating that Christians are often victims of violence and that Ethiopia's ranking on the Open Doors World Watch List has worsened due to increased violence against Christians. Shannon also mentioned insufficient humanitarian aid reaching Tigray, with only 25% to 50% of normal cereal production available this year. Suggested coordinating relief efforts with churches and NGOs operating in Tigray to ensure aid reaches those in need through partnership work.

Mr Laurence Robertson, chairman of the all-party parliamentary group for Ethiopia and Djibouti, praised the hon. Member for securing the debate on Tigray's situation and thanked the Minister for briefings. He highlighted Ethiopia's growth despite recent challenges such as conflict, locusts, and climate change. Up to 7 million people in northern Ethiopia need food assistance, requiring $140 million for aid expansion.

Mr. Mishra highlighted the escalating tensions in Tigray, which have now lasted almost a year and cost thousands of lives. He urged the UK Government to de-escalate tensions, investigate war crimes, and allow NGOs access to provide aid. Over 400,000 people are experiencing famine-like conditions, with an additional 6 million facing hunger due to the conflict. Mishra cited reports of mass killings, ethnic purges, systematic rape, and destruction of property by both sides in the conflict.

Patrick Grady expressed concern about the worsening situation in Tigray, noting that 2 million people have been internally displaced and 600,000 are already facing famine. He highlighted issues such as destruction of infrastructure, communications blackouts, and use of hunger as a weapon of war. Grady also mentioned over 1,600 extra-judicial killings in Oromia from October 2018 onwards. The MP urged the Government to live up to its standards on atrocity prevention and support multilateral efforts.

Pays tribute to the hon. Friend for securing the debate and mentions the potential use of chemical weapons by Ethiopian forces, asking if she is concerned about these reports.

Discussed the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, highlighting reports of ethnic cleansing, religious persecution, sexual violence, and war crimes. Raised concerns about lack of full human rights investigations, insufficient humanitarian access, and the risk of famine. Cited alarming statistics such as 10,000 rapes and 400,000 people in famine-like conditions. Noted the substantial British investment in Ethiopian telecommunications and questioned whether there is an incongruity with the current issues of money transfers, internet access, and telecommunications being cut off.