On the Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch report of April 6, 2022, EHRC Deputy Chief Commissioner Rakeb Messele stated, “Despite the obvious limitations of remote investigation and some language variations by human rights organizations, the findings of this report in terms of the Maikadra killings of ethnic Amhara civilians and their forced displacements by the Samri group with the support of Tigray militia and police, and the retaliatory attacks and unlawful large scale displacement by Amhara Special Forces, militia and the Fano group of Tigrayan residents are consistent with what has been documented and reported by EHRC, as well as the Joint Investigation with the UN on Tigray (JIT). These acts of killings and large scale forced displacement by the parties may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
The Deputy Chief Commissioner called for implementation of the JIT recommendations including “for parties to refrain from taking any measures that could cause further displacement; create an enabling environment for the safe, secure and voluntary return of all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs); and find a sustainable solution to the Welkait Tsegede protracted land dispute.”
Recalling the recent positive developments towards the cessation of hostilities and improved humanitarian assistance, she also reiterated “EHRC’s call for building on the recent developments towards a sustainable political solution and peace, restoration of basic services, rehabilitation of victims and affected areas in Afar, Amhara and Tigray as well as accountability measures for justice. EHRC will continue with its monitoring and investigation work in all the conflict affected areas”
