Following reports of alleged attacks on August 5, 2021 that resulted in the killing of hundreds of internally displaced persons, including large numbers of children sheltered in health facilities and schools in Galikoma Kebele in Gulina Woreda of Afar region, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has deployed a team to areas where the injured and affected population are currently receiving treatment.
The Commission is also monitoring reports of renewed hostilities in Amhara region and is extremely concerned by the alarming increase of the number of civilians affected, which is worsening an already precarious humanitarian situation. EHRC reiterates its call and strongly urges all parties to the conflict and security forces to uphold their obligations under national and international human rights and humanitarian laws. Civilians and civilian infrastructure, including historical heritages, should in no way become targets and vulnerable groups such as children should be offered special protection at all times.