Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Delivered by Second Secretary Mitch Bradley
Thank you Mr President,
Aotearoa New Zealand is deeply concerned at the human rights violations documented in the Commission’s report, as well as the humanitarian situation in northern Ethiopia and associated access challenges.
We are highly troubled by the recent renewal of fighting. We call for all parties to cease hostilities and come to the negotiating table without preconditions. Ethiopia’s people have suffered for too long, and early-warning signs of further atrocity crimes in this renewed conflict are deeply concerning.
Accountability and justice are vital to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Ethiopians are protected.
New Zealand acknowledges the efforts of the Ethiopian Government towards delivering transitional justice. There is much work still needed in this respect and New Zealand supports the extension of the Commission’s mandate.
To ensure the Commission achieves its goals, care must be taken to refine its scope, to build on and complement existing efforts. What further steps can the international community take to support concrete coordination and meaningful engagement with stakeholders on the ground?
Thank you.