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Conflict in Ethiopia
16 November 2022
Lead MP
Rosie Duffield
Canterbury
Ind
Responding Minister
Andrew Mitchell
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Word Count: 8813
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Rosie Duffield raised concerns about conflict in ethiopia in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
What actions are being taken by our Government to ensure peace is maintained and agreements adhered to through direct interventions with the Ethiopian Government or via the UN?
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
An estimated 600,000 people have lost their lives, some 875,000 are refugees, and 90% of Tigray's population are now dependent on food aid. The ceasefire is welcomed but there continue to be reports of conflict in northern Ethiopia, including looting and drone attacks, with Eritrean troops defying the ceasefire. Sexual violence and human rights atrocities have been widespread, verified by Amnesty International and the UN councils.
Alyn Smith
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
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.
Gary Streeter
Con
South West Cornwall
Order. I am so sorry; our time has run out. We could have listened to the Minister for a lot longer.
Helen Hayes
Lab
Dulwich and West Norwood
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.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
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
DUP
Strangford
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.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
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.
Sutton West
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
Lab
Torbay
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.
Margaret Ferrier
SNP
Rutherglen and Hamilton West
She intervened to emphasise the importance of justice and accountability for war crimes and human rights abuses in achieving long-term peace.
Government Response
Andrew Mitchell
Government Response
Thanked the hon. Member for Canterbury for securing the debate, acknowledged contributions from other MPs and right hon. Members, expressed hope for peace following a recent agreement between Ethiopian Government and TPLF, highlighted humanitarian aid needs in Tigray, discussed drought impact on Ethiopia's population (24 million affected), emphasized need for Eritrean forces to withdraw from Tigray, detailed UK's £90 million humanitarian assistance provided over 18 months, committed support for transitional justice policy, reiterated call for accountability of human rights abuses, noted UK's role in fostering peace and prosperity.
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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.