The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released a statement detailing the human rights abuses that have been taking place in the Amhara region of Ethiopia in connection with the ongoing armed conflict.

The EHRC has confirmed that there have been numerous instances of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and rape perpetrated by both government security forces and the Fano armed group. Civilians have also been killed and injured in the fighting, and many have been forced to flee their homes.

The EHRC has documented the following specific examples of human rights abuses:

• Drone attacks: On October 5, 2016, a drone attack in Berehet District, North Showa Zone, killed a number of civilians, including a one-year-old-seven-month-old baby. On October 8, 2016, at least 8 civilians were killed in a drone strike in Debre Markos city.
• Extrajudicial killings: On September 29 and 30, 2023, many civilians were killed in the Bahir Dar Sebatamit area, including three brothers. On September 29, 2023, other civilians were killed in Adet City, North Gojam Zone, including 12 model students living in Filseta Debre Mariam. On October 14, 2023, at least 8 civilians were killed during house-to-house searches in Emmanuel City, East Gojam Zone.
• Arbitrary arrests: The EHRC has received reliable information that government security forces have been conducting street and house-to-house searches and arresting civilians on arbitrary grounds, such as “You support Fano” or “You will give information to Fano.”
• Rape: The EHRC has received reports of rape perpetrated by both government security forces and the Fano armed group. The EHRC has also stated that the number of rape victims is likely to be higher than the number of cases that have been reported, as many victims are afraid to come forward.

The EHRC has called for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to the conflict to respect the human rights of civilians. The EHRC has also called on the Ethiopian government to investigate the human rights abuses that have been committed and to bring those responsible to justice.

In addition to the abuses listed above, the EHRC has also reported that:

• Schools have been closed and used for military purposes.
• Civilians have been robbed and their property has been destroyed.
• Internet and telephone services have been suspended in many areas.

The EHRC has urged the Ethiopian government to take all necessary steps to protect the human rights of civilians in the Amhara region.