Statement Attributable to the International Commission of Human Rights Experts for Ethiopia

The International Commission of Human Rights Experts for Ethiopia is outraged about the renewal of hostilities between the government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front. Such fighting exacerbates the hardships on civilians in the region and carries with it the risk of escalation. We are particularly concerned about reports of civilian casualties at a playground in Mekelle in Tigray region, and the alleged targeting of civilians in renewed offensive in Kobo in Amhara region. We call upon the parties to immediately cease their fighting and return to the process of dialogue that each has accepted. We further urge both sides to immediately take all steps needed to allow the United Nations and other agencies to carry out the distribution of humanitarian assistance in Tigray. The human rights, health, and welfare of civilians must be the utmost priority of all parties.