Africa
Ethnic profiling and discrimination is taking place against Tigrayans, an Ethiopian rights group said on Saturday, as fighting between the army and rebel Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) continued.
“Based on information and tips, we have learned that a justified threat of fear of ethnic profiling and discrimination has arisen,” the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said in an emailed statement.
According to the group, it is investigating a massacre of civilians that the UN warned on Friday could constitute a war crime.
Meanwhile, the special task force set up to provide information about the government’s operations in Tigray said that the TPLF had fired rockets at two cities in the neighbouring Amhara region.
“In the late hours of Nov. 13, a rocket was fired towards Bahir Dar and Gondar cities. As a result, the airport areas have sustained damages,” the body said.
However, it was not possible for dpa to immediately verify the claim.
Recently, the conflict began when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered soldiers into the northern region of Tigray to put down a TPLF uprising.
While now designated a rebel group, the TPLF is also the region’s ruling political party, but does not feel the government in Addis Ababa represents them.
Both sides have reported bloodshed, but an internet blackout and blocked telephone lines make it difficult for journalists in Addis Ababa to get a sense of what is happening on the ground in Tigray.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has warned the conflict risks destabilising the entire region. (dpa/NAN)
– Nov. 14, 2020 @ 13:59 GMT |
Tags: Ethiopian rights group warns of ‘ethnic profiling’ of Tigrayans
