Ethiopia: Humanitarian and Political Situation — [Mr Peter Bone in the Chair]

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.