UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Friday expressed concern about the increasing civilian casualties caused by the escalating fighting in Ethiopia and call on the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and their respective allies to immediately de-escalate tensions to prevent a return to all-out war.
According to the UN Human Rights OfficeAirstrikes by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), some of which were reportedly carried out Use of droneshit five schools in Tigray on September 22, causing deaths and injuries. An ENDF mortar attack on September 23 in Kobo, Amhara region also reportedly resulted in civilian deaths. Türk called on all parties to protect civilians and provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need.
Türk also expressed concern about reported disruptions in internet and telecommunications services in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, and parts of Amhara, as well as road blockages in Afar. Air traffic in Tigray was significantly affected after Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to Mekelle, Axum and Shire following the TPLF’s takeover of the three airports on September 23. Türk warned that communications disruptions could prevent civilians from reaching safety and prevent humanitarian workers from reaching affected communities.
The UN Human Rights Office In addition, allegations of the TPLF’s forced mass recruitment of civilians, including children, were reported across Tigray, along with killings, torture, arbitrary detentions, forced relocations, and reprisals against people who resisted recruitment and their families. The office also cited reports of arbitrary conscription by government forces. Türk called on states with influence over the parties to support efforts to end hostilities.
The warning follows a September 23rd Statement by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterreswho expressed deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia and called on the parties to protect civilians and prevent a major conflict. The African Union Commission also called for immediate de-escalation and renewed direct talks within the framework of the Pretoria Agreement 2022which established a permanent cessation of hostilities between the Ethiopian federal government and the TPLF.
The renewed fighting comes amid months of rising tensions in northern Ethiopia and growing concerns that the fragile post-war settlement could fall apart. In February, Ethiopia recognized the participation of Eritrean forces 2020–2022 Tigray War as relations between Addis Ababa and Asmara deteriorated. A 2025 report from Physicians for Human Rights laid this out in detail 1 in 10 Tigray women were subjected to sexual violence during the war and were often victims of gang rape, forced pregnancy and the forcible transmission of HIV, acts that directly violate them Article 4 of Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions.
The grave violations of humanity committed during the Tigray War led to a public oral hearing before the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), according to Legal Action Worldwide, the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. filed a lawsuit They accuse Ethiopia of being complicit in perpetrating violence against the people of Tigray.
The Tigray war killed large numbers of civilians, displaced millions and led to widespread allegations of war crimes and other serious human rights abuses. The recent escalation has therefore raised fears that Ethiopia could return to a larger conflict despite the framework set in Pretoria for cessation of hostilities.
