Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The foreign ministers of the G7 countries issued a statement on Friday condemning human rights violations in the Ethiopian province of Tigray and calling for an end to the conflict, as well as humanitarian aid for those affected by the conflict.

The statement by the foreign ministers of Japan, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the High Representative of the European Union, said they were “strongly concerned about recent reports on human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Tigray.”

 The statement added: “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.”

 Tigray has been in conflict with the central government of Ethiopia and nearby Eritrea has also been dragged into the conflict as people seek refuge from the fighting.

 “We urge parties to the conflict to provide immediate, unhindered humanitarian access,” the foreign ministers said. “We are concerned about worsening food insecurity, with emergency conditions prevailing across extensive areas of central and eastern Tigray. We call for the end of violence and the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including those in Tigray and which leads to credible elections and a wider national reconciliation process.”

 The ministers welcomed the announcement from Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali that Eritrean forces will withdraw from Tigray. “This process must be swift, unconditional and verifiable,” they added.