Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Mr President,
New Zealand remains deeply concerned at the humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, which, in the north, continues to be exacerbated by fighting. New Zealand supports a peaceful end to the conflict, and continues to call for accountability and justice to ensure the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Ethiopians are protected.
The recent steps towards de-escalation and reconciliation, including the national dialogue are welcome and offer the prospect of hope. For peace to take root, however, crimes committed during the conflict cannot be left in the shadows. As we have seen time and time again, there can be no long term peace without justice, and no justice without peace.
The International Commission of Human Rights experts on Ethiopia, established by this Council in December, has an important role in supporting the pursuit of justice, and ultimately of reconciliation in Ethiopia. We encourage the Commission to align closely with relevant national and regional efforts to investigate and to identify actionable steps towards transitional justice. The violations of human rights and international law committed by all parties to the conflict must be identified and acknowledged if the wounds they have caused are ever to heal.
Thank you Mr President.