Geneva: Disturbing reports have continued to emerge of widespread abuse of civilians in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, nearly six months since conflict erupted, UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said on Tuesday.
"Children in Tigray have been hit by COVID-19 then conflict," the spokesperson said in a press briefing.
The conflict is the result of months of escalating tensions between the Ethiopian Government and the dominant regional force, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which culminated in Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordering a military offensive after rebels attacked a federal army base.
Within days, militias from the neighbouring Amhara region had joined the fray, reportedly followed by some troops from neighbouring Eritrea – a long-time rival of Tigray.
According to the Government, the region had been secured by the end of November, however TPLF resistance has continued, amid accusations of extrajudicial killings and rights abuses on all sides.
We have been very concerned from the onset about the harm this crisis will cause to children. Such fears are now being realized.
"This is a protection crisis. What is emerging is a disturbing picture of severe and ongoing child rights violations. This is also an education and nutrition emergency, and I saw extensive destruction to the systems and essential services on which children rely," he told journalists.
Cek Berita dan Artikel yang lain di Google News
FOLLOW US
Ikuti media sosial medcom.id dan dapatkan berbagai keuntungan
