General Comments by India on Consideration of the Resolution on Situation of human Rights in Ethiopia at the 51st Session of the Human Rights Council, (12 September - 7 October 2022) delivered by Ms. Seema Pujani, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva
(7th October 2022)
Mr. President,
The international community had been consistently calling for cessation of violence, exercise of restraint, dialogue and building trust towards resolving the outstanding issues. It is in this direction that the African Union had invested considerably since the appointment of High Representative Obasanjo in August 2021. While there had been some forward movement with the Ethiopian Government’s ceasefire Declaration on 24 March this year, which was followed closely by a roadmap for peace talks, the fighting that broke out subsequently on 24 August is deeply concerning.
2. We welcome the Ethiopian Government’s commitment to the peace talks. We have also noted the declaration on 11 September by the regional government of Tigray, agreeing to an AU-led peace process. We hope this commitment will hold. We also hope that an amicable political solution will be found in a manner that serves the interests of all Ethiopians, in keeping with the provisions of the constitution of Ethiopia.
3. Mr. President, we are concerned with the looting of fuel from the warehouses of the World Food Programme on 24 August which was meant for humanitarian purposes. Women, children, and the elderly have been particularly vulnerable and continue to suffer. In coordination with the Government of Ethiopia, humanitarian assistance to Northern Ethiopia must continue uninterrupted. It is critical that the international community continues to support the Government of Ethiopia and extends assistance towards rebuilding Northern Ethiopia. It is equally important that measures are taken to ensure that Ethiopians are able to return to their sources of livelihood.
4. We underline that the founding principles of humanitarian assistance, i.e., humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence should always guide any humanitarian action. These should not be politicized.
5. We continue to call upon all stakeholders to exercise restraint and work together to build trust and confidence that could pave way for dialogue. The initiatives of the African Union and the region must have this Council’s strong support. In conclusion, India reiterates its strong commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ethiopia.
I thank you.
