Subject: An Urgent Appeal Concerning into Alleged Forced Conscription, Arbitrary Detention, killing, Human Rights Violations in Tigray
To:
- The United Nations
- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
- The United Nations Human Rights Council
- The International Criminal Court (ICC)
- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
- Amnesty International
- Human Rights Watch
- The European Union
- The African Union
- International Diplomatic Missions and Human Rights Bodies
- Religious and Civil Society Institutions in Tigray and Ethiopia
The Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice in Europe expresses its profound concern and unequivocal condemnation of reports and allegations concerning forced military recruitment, coercive mobilization campaigns, arbitrary detention, intimidation of civilians, and other serious human rights violations allegedly occurring in Tigray.
We consider all allegations involving the forced recruitment of civilians, including minors, the collective punishment of families, and the detention of individuals who refuse to participate in military activities to warrant urgent, independent, and impartial international investigation.
Regardless of political affiliation, military necessity, or security considerations, the protection of civilian populations remains a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law and international human rights law.
Alleged Forced Conscription and Military Roundups
Numerous reports from local communities, civil society actors, and monitoring organizations have raised serious concerns regarding alleged door-to-door military recruitment campaigns and compulsory mobilization measures targeting civilians.
If substantiated, such practices may constitute grave violations of internationally recognized legal protections, particularly where individuals are coerced into military service against their will or where vulnerable populations are specifically targeted.
International humanitarian law establishes clear limitations on the treatment of civilians during armed conflict. The forced recruitment of protected persons, especially children, raises profound legal and moral concerns that require immediate scrutiny.
Protection of Children
The recruitment or use of children in armed conflict constitutes one of the most serious violations recognized under international law.
The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court identifies the conscription, enlistment, or use of children under the age of fifteen in hostilities as a war crime.
Any credible allegations involving the recruitment, mobilization, or deployment of children must therefore be investigated independently, thoroughly, and impartially.
Alleged Collective Punishment and Intimidation of Families
We are deeply concerned by reports alleging that families of individuals who evade mobilization efforts have been subjected to intimidation, harassment, economic penalties, or other forms of reprisal.
Collective punishment is prohibited under international humanitarian law. Civilians must never be targeted because of the actions, decisions, or whereabouts of their relatives.
The protection of family members from retaliation is a fundamental principle of international humanitarian standards.
Arbitrary Detention and Deprivation of Liberty
Reports of individuals being detained without due process in connection with recruitment or mobilization efforts raise serious concerns regarding violations of fundamental rights.
The right to liberty and security of person is protected under multiple international human rights instruments. Any deprivation of liberty must be lawful, proportionate, and subject to judicial oversight.
Mass detention practices intended to compel participation in military activities would constitute a grave infringement of these protections.
Call for an Independent International Investigation
We respectfully urge the international community to establish or support an independent investigative mechanism capable of examining all credible allegations of:
- Forced military recruitment;
- Recruitment or use of children in armed activities;
- Arbitrary detention;
- Collective punishment;
- Intimidation of civilians;
- Violations of international humanitarian law; and
- Violations of international human rights law.
Such investigations should be conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards of impartiality, transparency, and evidentiary rigor.
Investigators should be empowered to collect testimony from victims, witnesses, refugees, humanitarian actors, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and former participants, while also making use of modern investigative tools such as satellite imagery, open-source intelligence, digital evidence preservation, and forensic documentation.
Appeal to Religious Institutions
We call upon the religious institutions of Tigray, including the Tigrayan Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Islamic councils, and other faith-based organizations, to uphold their moral responsibilities in defense of human dignity, civilian protection, and peace.
Religious leaders have historically served as guardians of conscience during times of conflict. Their voices carry profound moral authority and can help protect vulnerable communities from further suffering.
We respectfully urge religious institutions to advocate for the protection of civilians, children, families, and fundamental human rights, regardless of political affiliation.
Appeal to Governments, Civil Society and Public Institutions
We call upon civic organizations, professional associations, academic institutions, youth groups, women’s organizations, community leaders, and public diplomacy forums to support efforts aimed at documenting abuses, protecting victims, promoting accountability, and preventing further violations.
A sustainable peace cannot be built on fear, coercion, or impunity. It requires transparency, justice, institutional accountability, and respect for the rule of law.
Appeal to the Government of Ethiopia and the International Community
We urge the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the broader international community to carefully assess all credible evidence relating to alleged human rights abuses and violations of international law.
We further call upon relevant national and international authorities to pursue lawful accountability measures against any individuals or entities found responsible for serious violations, irrespective of political status or affiliation.
Where evidence so warrants, legal mechanisms available under domestic and international law should be utilized to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
The people of Tigray have endured immense suffering as a result of war, displacement, humanitarian crisis, and political instability. They deserve peace, dignity, justice, and the full protection of their fundamental rights.
We therefore call for immediate international attention, an independent investigation, civilian protection measures, and accountability for any violations that may have occurred.
Human rights are universal. International law applies equally to all actors. No political movement, government, military force, or armed organization should be exempt from scrutiny where credible allegations of abuse exist.
Justice, truth, and accountability remain essential foundations for lasting peace in Tigray and throughout the Horn of Africa.
Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice in Europe
July 4, 2026