Regarding the large-scale and serious human rights violations caused by attacks on civilians in various areas in Ethiopia

Regarding the large-scale and serious human rights violations caused by attacks on civilians in various areas in Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia regions. 

 In Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia regions, The killings, bodily injuries, destruction of property and displacement of civilians, which are happening to the people, including the confirmation of responsibility for the massive violation of human rights, requires the federal government and the governments of each region to take immediate, concrete and lasting solutions.

Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Amhara Region, Awi Ethnic Zone, Ayehu Guagusa District and West Gojam Zone, Bure District; Also in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Asosa Zone, Oda Bldglu District; In addition, based on the suggestions and complaints received regarding the attacks on civilians in Oromia region, RC zone, Sherka district and Kelem Welega zone, Gidami district, he has been contacting the victims' families, residents and the local government officials and monitoring them. In Amhara Region, Awi Ethnic Zone Administration, Ayehu Guagusa District, Ambala Kebele and Zigem District Sorit Kebele from October 29, 2016. Since then, there have been deaths and injuries as well as damage to investment sites in ethnic clashes that have occurred on different days. 

On October 30, 2016, in West Gojam Zone, Bure District, Fitam Santom and Kotobo Kebeles in Amara Region. and on November 1, 2016. A large number of people were killed, physically and property damaged in the ethnic attack by groups identified as irregular Amhara militants and the ensuing conflict. As a result of the conflict, residents were displaced and forced to go to the neighboring kebeles in Bure district and to the Oromia region. Cattle were stolen. On November 19, 2016, the people of the Benishangul ethnic group living in Belmili, Alkeshafi and Beladeru kebeles under the Benishangul Gumuz region, Asosa zone, Oda Bldglu district, and the Oromo people who live with them. From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., an attack by members of the Oromo Liberation Army (normally ONG-Shene) armed group resulted in damage to human life and property. According to the information collected up to the date of this statement, 17 (seventeen) people were killed, an old man was kidnapped, and 7 (seven) people were seriously injured. It is known that the villages in the three kebeles were mostly burnt and destroyed, property including agricultural crops and domestic animals were destroyed, and the residents of the kebeles fled the attack and were displaced to the neighboring kebeles and the nearby Mansibu district of the Oromia region. 

 On November 13, 2016, in RC Zone, Sherka District, Oromia Region. In Tijo Lebu Kebele after approximately 1:00 p.m., unidentified gunmen killed a total of 10 (ten) people, including 7 (seven) members of the same family and three of their neighbors, and killed at least 12 (twelve) people in Sole Digelu Kebele. ) The commission has gathered information and evidence that indicate that they killed civilians. Eleven of the 12 people killed in Sole Digelu Kebele were members of the same family. On November 17, 2016 The militants killed 8 (eight) people who were members of the same family in the attack in Kone Kebele of the district. It was learned that assailants dragged the dead out of their homes and killed them, some of them were killed in their homes. 

Among the dead were pregnant women, including infants, and elderly people over 80 years old. In addition to the dead, an unknown number of people were injured and are being treated. The local residents told the commission that they are still receiving repeated threats and pleaded with the government to reach them immediately. In addition, 9 (nine) parishioners, elders of the church, members of the youth committee and other ministers who were members of the Hamo Tokuma locality Mekene Jesus Church of Manako Manamo Kebele under the Begi-Gidami Synod Gidami parish in Oromia region, Kelem Welega zone, Gidami district, 14th day of 2016 They were killed by unidentified armed groups at around 8:00 pm. The commission was able to confirm that the killing was done on people who were praying, and among the 12 people who were in the church, two women and an old man were excluded, they called the nine people by name, took them out of the church, killed them in the nearby forest and dumped their bodies. Some of the nine dead are family members. In Amhara, Benishangul Gumuz and Oromia regions, human rights violations against civilians in the context of conflict and outside the context of conflict continue to be extremely serious. Especially in the context of the widespread conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions, the killings, displacements, arrests and looting of civilians have made the lives of the residents extremely worse.  

As of the time this statement was issued, the Commission is still receiving information about additional attacks in these areas and is continuing its investigation and verification work. He will also continue his efforts to gather detailed information and evidence by conducting further investigation on the events described above. Dr. Daniel Bekele, Chief Commissioner of EHRCO, said, "Before the terrible damage that is being done in the context of this conflict gets worse and more damage is done, the government should implement an appropriate peaceful and political solution. It is necessary to ensure complete protection and safety for all vulnerable areas and residents," he said. The Chief Commissioner added, "In addition to ensuring accountability and justice for the guilty; He stated that it is important for the government and other partners to provide adequate urgent humanitarian support to the residents who were displaced from their villages due to the attacks, and to facilitate the return of displaced people to their villages and establish a sustainable situation.