A recent study by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa has uncovered alarming numbers of sexual assaults in Ethiopia's Tigray region since the peace agreement was signed last November. 🌍
Analyzing 304 medical records from local health centers, researchers identified at least 128 sexual assaults post-peace deal, suggesting that the region continues to grapple with severe human rights abuses despite the end of a two-year civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. 🕊️
The study highlights that most attackers were identified as members of military groups, with many linked to Eritrean forces. Disturbingly, 76% of the victims reported being assaulted by multiple perpetrators, and 94% of the cases involved no condom use, pointing to the systematic nature of these crimes. 😟
Rights campaigners have criticized the African Union's decision to halt its investigation into wartime abuses in Tigray, alleging that the commission may have faced political pressure from the Ethiopian government. This move has raised concerns about the accountability mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable populations. 🛑
Adding to the complexity, Ethiopia's recent inclusion into the BRICS economic bloc has sparked discussions on how international relations and economic interests intersect with ongoing human rights issues in the region. 💬
Experts like Martin Witteveen, an international criminal law specialist, emphasize the need for robust international oversight to ensure justice and healing for the victims, warning that without it, peace remains fragile and incomplete. 🕊️✨
