STATEMENT ON THE FOURTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TIGRAY GENOCIDE

This month marks four years since the eruption of the devastating conflict in Tigray, a ruthless assault launched by the Ethiopian Federal government in collaboration with the Eritrean government and their allies. What unfolded in November 2020 has carved deep wounds into the fabric of the Tigrayan community, bringing untold suffering, a staggering loss of life beyond comprehension, and widespread devastation. Today, Australian Tigrayans reflect on this sombre anniversary, carrying the weight of these memories while steadfastly renewing our call for justice and enduring peace.

Despite the Pretoria Peace Agreement signed in 2022, which marked a positive step towards ending the two-year genocidal war, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with obstacles. While the cessation of active conflict and initiatives like disarmament and demobilisation are encouraging, we must acknowledge the incomplete implementation of critical aspects of the agreement. The restoration of Tigrayan territories, removal of foreign forces, the safe return of over two million internally displaced people, and comprehensive justice remain unrealised. These unmet objectives require urgent attention from the international community to foster genuine reconciliation and lasting peace.

Adding to this urgency is the release of a report by the New Lines Institute, Genocide in Tigray: Serious Breaches of International Law in the Tigray Conflict, produced in collaboration with three independent universities. This report presents the most 

comprehensive analysis to date, offering compelling evidence of genocide. It concludes that members of the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), the Amhara Special Forces (ASF), and the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF) have committed, and continue to commit, acts of genocide against Tigrayans. The evidence documented in this extensive report highlights heinous crimes, including mass killings, sexual violence, and the deliberate destruction of cultural and economic resources vital to the survival of the Tigrayan population.

The findings of the report underscore the need for immediate international intervention and accountability. Ambassador David J. Scheffer, former US Ambassador at Large for War Crimes Issues, has stated: “This report has taken the first step to ensure that the deadliest conflict of the 21st century is not allowed to pass without its most pressing injustices being identified and accountability pursued. The international community now has the impetus and the evidence it needs to act.”

To address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the challenges of displacement, and the weaponisation of aid, we call for decisive actions from both the Australian Government and the broader international community. The atrocities outlined in this report must not be ignored, and a coordinated global response is essential to uphold justice and human rights for the people of Tigray.

We deeply value your ongoing support and commitment as we embrace our collective responsibility to address the lasting impact of this conflict. We must unite in our duty to uphold international law, restore peace and dignity for the Tigrayan people, honour the voices of victims, and empower the region to rebuild with hope and resilience.

Australia Tigray Alliance