Conflict in Ethiopia

Welcoming the ceasefire and peace agreement in Tigray, Alyn Smith raises concerns about the durability of the agreement, accountability for crimes, and food insecurity. He questions the UK Government's assessment on disarmament verification and the role they play in supporting international observers and investigators to ensure proper accountability mechanisms are in place. He highlights that 13 million people across northern Ethiopia face real danger of food insecurity, urging the government to increase aid to prevent conditions for a relapse into violence.

Order. I am so sorry; our time has run out. We could have listened to the Minister for a lot longer.

The conflict in Ethiopia, which began two years ago in Tigray, has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread use of rape. Helen Hayes highlighted the personal cost faced by journalists and politicians for their work to highlight suffering under this conflict. She mentioned a constituent who lost contact with family members due to the war, emphasizing the brutal nature of the conflict and its devastating impact on civilians.

He stressed the need for unfettered access by UNHRC to investigate abuses, support for refugees, humanitarian aid delivery, and addressing democratic deficits to prevent future conflicts. In an intervention, Jeremy Corbyn raises concerns about communication with families of constituents from Tigray, Oromia and Ethiopia. He asks whether more could be done to facilitate information sharing and provide some sense of security for the families regarding their relatives' situation. Corbyn inquired about unfettered access to all parts of Ethiopia for the UN and other agencies.

Jim Shannon expressed deep concern about the religious persecution and conflict in Ethiopia, highlighting that over 13 million people need food aid. He mentioned specific incidents of violence against churches and Christians, including an attack on a church where 750 were killed. Shannon urged the Government to provide updates on delivering lifesaving aid and restoring humanitarian access as promised. Shannon pressed the minister on access to humanitarian aid for Christian groups in Tigray, noting that these groups were not receiving adequate support.

The humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, particularly in Tigray, is severe with hundreds of thousands dead, over 3 million displaced, and 13 million requiring food aid. The conflict has exacerbated other crises including climate change, inflation due to the Ukraine war, and the pandemic. Current aid efforts are insufficient as World Food Programme funding from UK Government dropped from £181m in 2019 to less than £55m in 2022. Osamor intervened briefly without providing specific details of her contribution.

He expressed deep concern about the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia, highlighting its economic and social impacts. He called for increased involvement from international bodies such as the UN and AU to ensure lasting peace and aid delivery.

Lyn Brown highlighted the devastating impact of the conflict in Ethiopia, noting that some estimates suggest half a million people have died. She emphasised the need for improved humanitarian access and support for peacekeeping efforts. Concerning the 89% food insecurity rate among Tigray's population, she questioned if aid agencies had enough resources to address this crisis.

She intervened to emphasise the importance of justice and accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses in achieving long-term peace.