As humanitarian organizations working in Tigray Region and neighboring areas in Afar and Amhara, we are deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis throughout the region, and its impact on the lives of civilians. We are also distressed by the impact on our humanitarian aid worker colleagues, some of whom have been reported to be killed during the last month while at work.
We call on all parties to respect the provision of the International Humanitarian Law and Ethiopian constitution, including protection of civilians and the protection of humanitarian aid workers. Any deaths of civilians, as well as humanitarian aid workers, are tragedies, and we urge all parties to the Tigray crisis to avoid hostilities that adversely impact these groups in any way.
While we are encouraged by recent humanitarian deliveries by the Government of Ethiopia, UN, and NGO partners, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of basic necessities and services available to civilians across Tigray Region and with no exceptions, including food, water, and medicines. After over a month of disruption, supplies are running dangerously low across the region. We call on all parties to enable the restoration of basic services and amenities, as well as to enable access and security for humanitarian services to resume for all Ethiopian citizens and refugees.
