A coalition of 41 nations issued an urgent appeal at the 63rd regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, focusing heavily on safeguarding the safety, security, and rights of civilians, frontline operators, and aid providers across Ethiopia. Delivered by Ambassador Rytis Paulauskas, Permanent Representative of Lithuania, the joint statement emphasized that ongoing armed conflicts and security breakdowns continue to exact an unacceptable human toll, demanding immediate corrective action and strict adherence to international humanitarian law.
The international group directed its focus toward volatile conditions unfolding across several key regions, particularly highlighting the Amhara and Oromia areas. The coalition strongly urged all conflicting parties to immediately halt human rights violations and systemic abuses. Central to this call is the unconditional protection of vulnerable civilian populations caught in the crossfire of regional hostilities, ensuring that local communities can secure basic safety.
Particular emphasis was placed on the perilous operating environment navigated by humanitarian and frontline workers. The 41 countries expressed deep alarm over targeted violence, security obstructions, and fatalities affecting aid personnel who strive to deliver life-saving provisions to populations suffering from severe drought and climate pressures. The statement stressed that humanitarian operators must be granted unhindered, safe access to distressed zones, noting that their physical security is a non-negotiable prerequisite for international relief operations.
To address the aftermath of these violations, the coalition insisted that absolute accountability must be secured for all victims and survivors of grave international humanitarian law breaches. This mandate explicitly covers accountability for the unlawful killings of humanitarian workers, signaling that impunity for attacks on aid providers will not be tolerated by the international community. The address called for transparent investigative processes and comprehensive, victim-centered justice mechanisms to address historical and ongoing grievances.
To foster long-term stability, the international collective encouraged the Ethiopian government to fully leverage available technical assistance through the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) country office. Furthermore, the coalition urged authorities to implement targeted recommendations from prior OHCHR and Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) reports.
