Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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242. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he and his officials have had with regard to the present civil war in Tigray, Ethiopia; the measures that are being taken at EU and UN level to bring about a ceasefire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52678/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The situation in Tigray and in other parts of northern Ethiopia remains of grave concern.

The conflict in Ethiopia has had a devastating impact on civilians, with many killed or injured, and widespread human rights violations. The report published last month by the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia presents further alarming details of the human rights and humanitarian situation, including reports of the use of starvation as a method of warfare as well as the systematic use of conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Over 13 million people in northern Ethiopia are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

The resurgence of hostilities in August has reversed the progress made since the declaration of a ceasefire in March and has had a serious impact on the delivery of humanitarian aid. The significant escalation of fighting in recent days is of particular concern and is having an increasingly dire impact on the civilian population. It is critical that humanitarian deliveries are able to urgently resume and that essential services are restored.

Ireland is actively supporting the efforts of the EU, UN and wider international community to address the crisis, as well as engaging directly through our Embassy in Addis Ababa and other bilateral channels. I continue to raise Ireland’s concerns with key interlocutors, and to advocate for full humanitarian access, an urgent end to violence, dialogue, accountability for atrocities, and ultimately a political solution to the conflict. I strongly support the African Union’s mediation efforts, and encourage and support the EU, UN and others to assist this work.

Ireland has consistently raised this crisis, and particularly the issue of humanitarian access, at the UN Security Council and within the European Union.

The situation in Ethiopia was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 17 October, where I expressed support for ongoing EU efforts in supporting AU mediation, in coordination with the US and UN envoys, while also sharing concerns with other Foreign Ministers on the resurgence of violence.

In addition to our work to ensure an international focus on resolving this crisis, Ireland continues to take action directly to alleviate the humanitarian toll of the conflict. We provided over €40 million in assistance to Ethiopia last year, with a similar level of support this year.