On November 4, 2020, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in collaboration with Eritrean Dictator Isaias Afwerki, launched a devastating campaign against the Tigray region. The onslaught has imposed severe restrictions and blockades on essential resources for millions of Tigrayan civilians, targeting aid, food, water, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, and banking services. Tigray is facing a genocidal crisis characterised by extreme violence, widespread human rights abuses, massive displacement of civilians, and 700,000 killed, as reported by various human rights organisations. Despite the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, which was intended to halt hostilities, the situation in Tigray remains dire.

Over 2.5 million people have been displaced within Ethiopia, and another 100,000 have fled to neighbouring Sudan, living in dire conditions in refugee camps. Widespread and systematic sexual violence has been used as a weapon of war, with thousands of women and girls subjected to rape and other forms of sexual violence, often accompanied by extreme brutality.

The United Nations has stated that up to 5 million people in Tigray need emergency food assistance, with estimates indicating more than 400,000 people are living in famine-like conditions.

What Needs to Be Done?

Despite international condemnation and calls for action, the response to the Tigray crisis has been inadequate. Humanitarian aid has been severely restricted, with reports of aid convoys being blocked and workers being attacked. The international community, including Australia, must intensify efforts to ensure that aid reaches those in need and that perpetrators of atrocities are held accountable. Australia Tigray Alliance is urging the Australian government to take the following actions:

1. Refugee Intake Program: Advocate for a dedicated refugee intake program for Tigrayan refugees, providing a safe haven for those unable to return to their homes.

2. Enhance Aid Contributions: Significantly increase aid contributions to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of Tigray, including funding for infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

3. Independent Investigation: Advocate for the reinstatement of an independent international committee of human rights experts to investigate the crimes committed during the Tigray war, ensuring accountability for perpetrators and the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.

What Can You Do?

Section 1: Get Informed and Share Knowledge

Global efforts, driven by the collective power of people taking to the streets, signing petitions, sending emails, and calling politicians, led to the signing of the Pretoria Agreement. However, the situation remains dire despite this significant milestone.

Educate Yourself on the Genocide in Tigray: To be effective advocates, it's crucial to educate ourselves about the Tigray crisis and its root causes. Australia Tigray Alliance provides information and you can follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formally Twitter), but you can also follow other organisations:

• Omna Tigray is dedicated to amplifying Tigrayan voices and advocating for the rights and safety of Tigrayans worldwide. Their resources include reports, webinars, and updates on the situation in Tigray.

• Tigray Action Committee: This committee focuses on mobilising international support to end the genocide in Tigray. They provide comprehensive reports, advocacy toolkits, and ways to engage with policymakers.

• Tigray Youth Network aims to engage and empower Tigrayan youth to advocate for their community. They offer educational resources, events, and advocacy guides specifically for young people.

• Free Tigray is committed to advocating for the freedom and self-determination of Tigrayans. They provide news updates, advocacy campaigns, and ways to participate in global actions.

Follow Tigray Update on Instagram, X (formally Twitter) and Facebook to get up-to-date information and news about the Tigray region.

Section 2: Take Direct Action

Contact your Member of Parliament (MP)

Contacting your MP is powerful. Politicians need to hear from constituents like you who want peace, support, accountability, and justice for Tigrayans. Your MP is elected to represent you, so it's crucial they understand your views. Email your MP, call your MP, and use the collective power of our voices to make an impact.

How to find your Member of Parliament (MP)? You can find your Member of Parliament by visiting The Parliament of Australia website here and entering their name, postcode or electorate.

• ACTION 1: Sign the EMAIL PETITION AT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA to send a letter/email to your local member of parliament and relevant government officials, urging them to take action on our three asks.

• ACTION 2: Call your local member of parliament to express concerns and request specific actions. Here are some talking points:

  • Introduction: start by introducing yourself and stating that you are a constituent. Mention that you are calling regarding the urgent humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. Give one or two statistics, e.g. over 800,000 civilians have been killed since Nov 2020. “Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am a constituent from [YOUR CITY/SUBURB]. I am calling to express my concern about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. I believe Australia can and should do more to help."

  • Discuss your asks:

    1. Advocate for a dedicated refugee intake program for Tigrayan refugees in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Raise the immediate needs of over 70,000 refugees currently in camps in Sudan. “We need a dedicated refugee intake program for Tigrayan refugees, given the ongoing crisis. There are over 70,000 refugees in camps in Sudan who need immediate assistance and a safe haven.”

    2. Stress the importance of Australia enhancing its aid contributions to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of Tigray. Mention specific areas of need, such as infrastructure reconstruction, healthcare, and education systems. “​Australia should significantly enhance its aid contributions to assist in the recovery and rebuilding of Tigray. This includes funding for infrastructure reconstruction, healthcare, and education systems.”

    3. Call for Australia to support the reinstatement of an independent international committee of human rights experts to investigate crimes committed during the Tigray war. Urge your MP to push for an expanded mandate to address human rights violations in other regions of Ethiopia. "Australia must support the reinstatement of an independent international committee of human rights experts to investigate crimes committed during the Tigray war. This should include an expanded mandate to address human rights violations in other regions of Ethiopia.”

  • Conclusion: emphasise that your MP's support in raising these issues with relevant government departments and officials is crucial. Thank your MP for their attention to this urgent matter and express hope that Australia will take a leading role in addressing the crisis. “Your support in raising these issues with the relevant government departments and officials is crucial. This is important to thousands of Tigrayan-Australians. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I hope Australia can play their role in addressing the crisis in Tigray.”

Join our team or a local group near you:

• National: Australian Tigrayan Alliance

  A community organisation dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of the Tigrayan diaspora in Australia and supporting efforts to address humanitarian crises and human rights abuses in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. They work to raise awareness, mobilise support, and engage in advocacy initiatives at local, national, and international levels. Join the group here.

• Perth: Western Australian Tigray Youth Group

  A local community organisation composed of young Tigrayans and allies passionate about social justice, community empowerment, and preserving Tigrayan culture. They organise events, workshops, and initiatives aimed at promoting youth participation, fostering solidarity within the community, and advocating for issues affecting Tigrayans in Western Australia

• Melbourne: Tigrayan Youth Association, Victoria

  A vibrant community organisation based in Melbourne, comprising young Tigrayans and supporters dedicated to promoting Tigrayan culture, heritage, and community development. Through cultural events, educational programs, and social activities, they strive to empower Tigrayan youth, foster connections, and contribute positively to the broader Victorian community.

Show Up and Stand in Solidarity: 

Your presence at rallies and vigils organised by Tigrayan community members sends a powerful message of unity and compassion. Follow United Tegaru Australia on social media for updates on upcoming protests and events, or reach out via email at advocacy@australiatigray.com for more information or to get involved.

Follow the United Tegaru Instagram account to find out more about events and actions you can take around Australia.

Conversations with Friends, Family, and Colleagues: 

One of the most powerful actions you can take is to have conversations with friends, family, and neighbours. By speaking out, you can educate others and inspire action, building mass support for our campaigns through face-to-face conversations.