Written question asked by Lord Boateng (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 December 2020, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 January 2021. It was answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 January 2021 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tigray: Armed Conflict

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports of carpet bombing by Eritrean and Ethiopian forces on villages in Tigray; and what steps they intend to take (1) themselves, (2) with the African Union, (3) with EU member states, (4) with the government of the United States, and (5) with other interested parties, to safeguard the civilian population of Tigray from such action.

Answer: We are concerned at reports of violations and atrocities in Tigray. Access to much of the region remains constrained and reports are difficult to verify. We have consistently called, in concert with international partners, for all parties to the conflict to prioritise the protection of civilians. We continue to call for independent investigation of allegations of abuses and violations of International Humanitarian Law. The British Ambassador in Eritrea and other international partners continue to raise questions about the mounting reports of Eritrean involvement in the conflict in Tigray. The Eritrean Government continue to deny their involvement.

Secondary information