22 January 2021
The UN is extremely alarmed by the serious allegations of sexual violence and abuse during the conflict in Tigray highlighted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, in her statement yesterday.
The allegations include rapes in the provincial capital, Mekelle, disturbing reports of individuals allegedly forced to rape members of their own family, and women reportedly forced by military elements to have sex in exchange for basic commodities.
The UN echoes SRSG Patten’s call on all parties involved in the hostilities to implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual violence, and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. The UN also calls for free and unhindered access to ensure that survivors of sexual violence receive the comprehensive assistance and care that they urgently require.
While the UN has been able to send some supplies, mainly to the refugee camps, the assistance to date is insufficient in the face of the rapidly rising needs generated by the conflict.
Constrained humanitarian access continues to limit much-needed humanitarian assistance to people in Tigray, nearly three months since the conflict began. This includes basic medical supplies. The UN urgently needs blanket clearances to send more staff and supplies to Tigray, so that it can ramp up the response and ensure it is commensurate with the needs.