UNICEF expresses outrage at recent airstrikes in Ethiopia's Tigray

By Vatican News staff writer

A statement released on Sunday by UNICEF Director-General Henrietta Fore expressed UNICEF's indignation at recent airstrikes that struck refugee camps in Tigray, northern Ethiopia.

“UNICEF is outraged by the recent airstrikes on camps for internally displaced persons and refugees in Tigray, northern Ethiopia," the statement read.

The January 5 and 7 attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of scores of civilians, including children, and injured many more.

Dozens killed

At least 56 people were killed and 30 others wounded in Ethiopia’s Tigray region following an air raid on a camp for civilians displaced by the brutal conflict in the northern region.

“Refugee camps and IDP settlements, including schools hosting displaced children and families and the essential facilities that provide them with humanitarian services, are civilian objects. Failing to respect and protect them from attacks may constitute a violation of international humanitarian law," said Ms. Fore.

“More than a year since the conflict in Tigray broke out, brutal acts of violence, including grave violations against children, continue to be perpetrated across northern Ethiopia by all parties to the conflict," she added.

In this regard, Ms. Fore wrote that “UNICEF renews its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. We urge all parties to the conflict to build on the initial signs of progress of the past several weeks, to adhere to international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law, to facilitate humanitarian access and to protect children from harm.”