Written question asked by Patrick Grady (Scottish National Party) on Tuesday, 8 September 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 11 September 2020 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Friday, 11 September 2020. A substantive answer was provided by James Duddridge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 16 September 2020 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Ethiopia: Violence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to help reduce violence committed against civilians and protesters in Ethiopia.

Answer: The UK is concerned by reports of violence and displacement of people in a number of regions in Ethiopia. I raised this with the Government of Ethiopia when visiting Addis Ababa at the end of July. I raised the importance of open and transparent investigations into ongoing incidents of violence. The UK supports the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen accountability and has been encouraged by their efforts to open the political space - in particular the release of thousands of political prisoners and the reform of legislation which constrained civil and political rights. We are committed to supporting civil society organisations in Ethiopia so that they can play an increasing role in monitoring human rights. We shall continue to monitor the situation and to raise the importance of respect for human rights in meetings with the Government of Ethiopia and regional leaders.

Secondary information