The United Nations (UN) has revealed that serious allegations of sexual violence are being reported in Tigray, northern Ethiopia.
Pramila Pattern, a Mauritian-British barrister and UN envoy on sexual violence in conflict, said the reports included a high number of alleged rapes in Mekelle, Tigray’s capital.
Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) seized control of Mekelle from the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on 28 November after several weeks of fighting.
“There are also disturbing reports of individuals allegedly forced to rape members of their own family, under threats of imminent violence,” Ms Patten said in a statement.
“Some women have also reportedly been forced by military elements to have sex in exchange for basic commodities.
“While medical centres have indicated an increase in the demand for emergency contraception and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which is often an indicator of sexual violence in conflict.
“In addition, there are increasing reports of sexual violence against women and girls in a number of refugee camps.”
She called on those parties involved in the hostilities “to commit to a zero-tolerance policy for crimes of sexual violence”.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a ground and air offensive on 4 November to oust the region’s ruling party, after its troops captured federal military bases.
He declared victory in Tigray after a month’s conflict, but fugitive TPLF leaders vowed to continue the fight.