Ethiopia: Türk alarmed by civilian impact of hostilities, urges de-escalation

GENEVA  – UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday expressed alarm at the widening impact of the escalating fighting in Ethiopia on civilians.

Airstrikes by the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), some carried out using drones, reportedly hit five schools in Tigray on 22 September, resulting in deaths and injuries. A mortar strike on 23 September in Kobo town in Amhara reportedly by the ENDF also resulted in civilian deaths.

“I am deeply alarmed by the recent escalation in hostilities between Ethiopian Government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and its allies, and the harmful impacts it is already having on civilians. All parties must urgently de-escalate tensions and avoid a return to full-scale war,” said Türk.

He urged all parties to take all measures needed to ensure effective protection of civilians from harm, and to allow safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all who need it.

Internet and telecommunication have reportedly been disrupted or are non-functional in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, and in parts of Amhara, and roads have reportedly been blocked in parts of Afar. Air travel has been significantly affected in Tigray after Ethiopian Airlines flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire were suspended following the TPLF’s takeover of all three airports on 23 September.

“Internet and telecommunication interruptions amid the unfolding crisis are very troubling, as they risk limiting the ability of civilians to flee to safe areas, and preventing humanitarian workers from reaching those in need,” Türk said.

He deplored the ongoing campaign of forced mass recruitment of civilians, including children, by the TPLF across Tigray, and incidents of killing, torture, arbitrary detention, forced displacement, and other reprisals targeting those who resist recruitment, and their family members. Individuals that have been targeted for forced recruitment include former combatants who were demobilized in late 2025.

There have also been disturbing reports of arbitrary conscription by government forces.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged States with influence on the parties to take concerted steps to help bring about a cessation of hostilities. He also renewed his Office’s readiness to continue supporting coordinated UN peace efforts in Ethiopia, in close conjunction with the African Union.