[By Tigrayan Advocacy Groups for Human Rights in Europe]
Genocide denial is one of the most heinous crimes in human history. It is an assault on the shared values of humanity and serves as a continuation of the violence and destruction inflicted on its victims. In the case of the Tigray genocide, over 1 million innocent Tigrayans have been savagely killed. The denial of the atrocity crimes by the very leader, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, must be condemned by all international human rights organisations and advocacy groups.
The international community, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, and International Genocide Watch, must unite in their efforts to hold Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael accountable for his actions. The genocide, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and war crimes committed under his leadership are a grave concern for the entire world, and his denial of these atrocity crimes only exacerbates the suffering of the victims and their families.
Genocide Denial as a Crime Against Humanity
Genocide denial is more than just a refusal to acknowledge the truth; it is an active perpetuation of the hate and violence that led to the atrocities in the first place. By denying the genocide, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael not only disrespects the memory of the victims but also attempts to erase the historical record of the suffering of the Tigrayan people. This denial is a direct attack on the victims and survivors, and it fuels the continued marginalisation of the Tigrayan community.
Dr Debretsion has failed to protect the people of Tigray from the Genocidal War, and his subsequent denial of these atrocities represents a gross violation of his responsibilities as a leader. The international community has long recognised the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions during times of war, and Dr. Debretsion’s actions should be no exception. The denial of genocide is a crime that cannot be ignored, as it undermines the efforts of the global community to prevent future atrocities and ensure justice for the victims.
It is the responsibility of international community and human rights organisations to take immediate and decisive action against Dr. Debretsion’s genocide denial. This denial not only obstructs justice but also emboldens other perpetrators of mass atrocities to continue their crimes without fear of accountability. The evidence against Dr. Debretsion and his leadership is overwhelming, and it is time for the international community to take a firm stand and indict him alongside the President of Eritrea, Isaias Afewerki, and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.
Dr. Debretsion should be accountable for his role in the Tigray genocide and for denying the atrocities committed under his leadership. Genocide denial is a continuation of the crime itself, and the ICC has a responsibility to hold leaders accountable for their complicity in such heinous acts.
The European Union Human Rights Council: the EU must prioritise the case of Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael and ensure that his denial of the Tigray genocide is met with strong condemnation and legal action. The EU has consistently been a champion of human rights, and this is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their commitment to justice.
The United Kingdom government, along with international genocide prevention organisations, must support efforts to bring Dr. Debretsion to justice. The UK’s involvement in global human rights issues is critical, and its support can help galvanise international efforts to hold Dr. Debretsion, President Isaias Afewerki, and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accountable.
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other international genocide watch organisations must continue to document and expose the crimes committed during the Tigray genocide to ensure that the atrocity crimes and denial of genocide do not go unpunished and the need for the international community intervention to end the ongoing suffering of the Tigrayan people.
The international community must hold Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, President Isaias Afewerki, and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accountable. One of the most effective mechanisms available is universal jurisdiction, which allows states to prosecute individuals for crimes such as genocide, regardless of where the crimes were committed. Given the severity of the atrocity crimes committed in Tigray, it is imperative that a criminal case be opened against Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, President Isaias Afewerki, and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Dr. Debretsion’s leadership has failed at every level: militarily, politically, and morally. His refusal to acknowledge the genocide not only disrespects the victims but also obstructs the path to justice. The international community must take immediate steps to ensure that he is brought to justice and held accountable for his participation in the Tigray genocide. A strong international response to genocide denial is necessary to send a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.
An appeal to all Tigrayan human rights organisations, diaspora communities, and international human rights bodies to denounce the outrageous and dangerous attempt by Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael to deny the Tigray genocide. His denial is a continuation of the atrocities committed against the Tigrayan people, and it must be met with unwavering condemnation and legal action.
We call on the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants for Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael and his cohorts for their war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Tigray genocidal war, including their failure to protect the people of Tigray from devastation and genocide. The time for action is now, and the failure to act will only embolden future perpetrators of genocide and crimes against humanity.
We call upon the European Union, the US, the United Kingdom, the International Criminal Court, the United Nations Human Rights Council, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other international human rights bodies to take this issue seriously. The world cannot afford to allow leaders like Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael to deny the atrocity crimes they have committed and escape justice.
This is a pivotal moment in the fight for justice for the people of Tigray, and the international community must rise to the occasion. The failure to hold Debretsion accountable for his denial of genocide will set a dangerous precedent for future genocidal leaders. Now is the time to act decisively and bring justice to the millions of innocent Tigrayans who have suffered under his leadership.
The international community must make it clear that genocide denial will not be tolerated, and those responsible for such crimes will face justice. Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael must be held accountable for the Tigray genocide. This is not just a matter of justice for the Tigrayan people, but a matter of upholding the fundamental principles of humanity and ensuring that such atrocities are never allowed to happen or to be repeated again.