Conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia

Early day motion 1723, tabled 12 April 2021 by Helen Hayes (Labour). Signed by 26 members.

That this House condemns the massacre at Axum in Ethiopia, documented by both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity; further condemns the reported wider pattern of violence throughout the Tigray region, including the use of rape and sexual violence, and the alleged involvement of Eritrean forces; notes that there is a risk of a regional conflict in the Horn of Africa, with an escalation of tensions with Sudan and Egypt; requests that the UK Government places that issue formally on the agenda of the United Nations Security Council, as well as on that of the African Union; supports calls for a full, prompt, impartial and effective investigation into the massacre and unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray, as well as immediate access for human rights and media organisations; considers that the starvation and conflict-induced food insecurity in that region is man-made, is a violation of international humanitarian law, and is a test case for the UK Special Envoy with that brief; and expresses concern for the fate of Eritrean refugees in that country alleged to be at risk of refoulement.

Signatures by party: Labour 10, Scottish National Party 6, DUP 3, Independent 2, Alba 1, Alliance 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.