WASHINGTON — The G7 countries — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — have expressed concerns over human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Ethiopia's Tigray region. In a joint statement, the G7 foreign ministers denounced the wanton violence in the conflict-ridden region. "We condemn the killing of civilians, sexual and gender-based violence, indiscriminate shelling, and the forced displacement of residents of Tigray and Eritrean refugees. All parties must exercise utmost restraint, ensure the protection of civilians and respect human rights and international law," the statement read. The foreign ministers of the G7 countries called on the Ethiopian government to hold its commitments and hold accountable those responsible for such abuses. "It is essential that there is an independent, transparent and impartial investigation into the crimes reported and that those responsible for these human rights abuses are held to account." They urged all parties involved in the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access and welcomed the recent announcement from Prime Minister Abiy that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. This process must be swift, unconditional, and verifiable. The foreign ministers also called for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians. They vowed to support humanitarian efforts and investigations into human rights abuses.
