That’s according to UN Secretary General António Guterres who briefed reporters on Monday morning outside Security Council, say The violence and destruction “have reached alarming levels.”
It was second intervention from the head of the United Nations over the coming days, as reports emerge of heavy bombing of the Shire and other Tigrayan cities, and dwindling food supplies in the regional capital Mekelle, amid growing concern about possible famine.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced since Government troops began fighting Tigray separatists in November 2020, following rising tensions between national and regional governments.
The Eritrean army is said to have joined forces with the Ethiopian army and crossed the border into Tigray. Aid distribution has been severely hampered since hostilities intensified since August, along with fuel shortages and loss of communication.
Eritrean pull-back
The head of the United Nations said that there must be a “instant withdrawal and withdrawal of the Eritrean armed forces from Ethiopia”, adding that civilians were “paying a terrible price” across the region.
“Indiscriminate attacks – even in residential areas – are killing more innocent people every daydamage critical infrastructure and limit access to critical services”.
He said he had received disturbing accounts about “sexual violence and other atrocities against women, children and men. All parties must comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law”.
The level of demand is now staggering, he said, and even before fighting resumed in August after a five-month lull, 13 million people were needed across the war zone including Tigray, Amhara and Afar in North.
Suspension of aid for 7 weeks
Guterres said aid delivery to Tigray had been suspended for more than seven weeks, and support for Amhara and Afar had also been disrupted.
“All parts must enable and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded humanitarian relief to all civilians in need.. The United Nations stands ready to support the African Union in any way possible to end this nightmare for the Ethiopian people.”
He added his voice to the AU’s call for the resumption of talks, which were scheduled to take place in South Africa last month.
“We urgently need to resume negotiations to work towards a lasting and effective political solution,” the secretary-general said. “The the international community must gather together now for peace in Ethiopia. “
Haiti: Humanitarian corridors must be established by force
The blockade of vital humanitarian and civilian supplies in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and the growing risk posed by cholera, requires the United Nations, the head of the United Nations said. “armed action” to create a humanitarian corridor to save lives. to answer questions from journalists on Monday.
The lack of fuel has caused a water crisis, which is now fueling a cholera outbreak that has killed dozens of people.
‘Nightmare Situation’
“So it’s an absolutely terrifying situation for the Haitian people, especially Port-au-Prince.”
Mr. Guterres said this is why he urged the Security Council to act, increasing training and equipping the national police force. But the current crisis means more needs to be done.
“Under the current circumstances, we need an armed action to liberate the port and to allow a humanitarian corridor to be established… I’m talking about something that has to be done based on strict humanitarian criteria, independent of political aspects the problem needs to be solved by the Haitian people themselves. “
Ethiopia: “Violence and devastation have reached alarming levels” – UN Communications Director Stakeout
