441-00605 (Foreign affairs)

The promotion and protection of human rights are an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Along with partners in the international community, Canada is shocked and dismayed by the grave human rights violations taking place in Ethiopia. The Government of Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and striving for a world where the rights and freedoms of all people are protected and respected.

Canada has consistently called for an immediate end to the human rights violations and abuses being perpetrated by parties to the conflict in Ethiopia, including as a signatory to two resolutions at the Human Rights Council in 2021, and continues to press parties to uphold their commitments under international human rights and humanitarian law. Canada has also repeatedly and publicly called for the swift withdrawal of Eritrean forces from northern Ethiopia.

Canada was a major funder, with a contribution of $600,000, to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s joint investigation into the allegations of human rights violations and abuses, and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by parties to the conflict. Canada continues to urge meaningful action towards the implementation of the report’s recommendations and to press the Government of Ethiopia to deliver on its commitments in this respect, including credible and transparent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable. Canada also encourages Ethiopia to collaborate with credible and independent international investigations, such as the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia.

Canada is also extremely concerned by the humanitarian crises currently affecting Ethiopia – in particular, the impact of the conflict in northern Ethiopia which has seen limits imposed on humanitarian access required to deliver assistance to those desperately in need, as well as high levels of food insecurity as a result of drought conditions affecting the southern and eastern regions of Ethiopia. Canada continues to prioritize providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by these compounding crises, by providing funding channeled through trusted humanitarian partners. Canada does not provide humanitarian assistance funding to local or national governments or authorities in Ethiopia.

To date in 2022, Canada’s humanitarian assistance funding for crisis-affected people in Ethiopia totals $54.5 million. The majority of this funding, to UN agencies and the Red Cross, is flexible, allowing these partners to prioritize their response anywhere in Ethiopia, based on their own needs assessments. Of the seven NGO partners receiving Canadian funding for Ethiopia in 2022, five are working (with Canadian funding) to address needs in Tigray. The Government of Canada also continues to call on the Government of Ethiopia to restore basic services and lift communications, internet, and banking limitations placed on the Tigray region.

Since November 2021, the Prime Minister has spoken five times with Prime Minister Abiy to discuss the developments in northern Ethiopia, the importance of working toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict, and the need to contribute to a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Ethiopia. This includes an immediate cessation of hostilities, a political resolution, and an inclusive national dialogue process. The Prime Minister has underscored the Government of Ethiopia’s international legal obligation to facilitate access to, and delivery of, humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict and has raised Canada’s concerns about human rights, including reports of discrimination against, and targeting of, ethnic Tigrayans and other minorities.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has discussed the crisis on several occasions with G7 counterparts, including with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, with Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen, and others. On November 8, 2021, the Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke with President Faki of the African Union Commission to discuss the rapidly deteriorating situation in Ethiopia, in particular, the intensification of the armed conflict, the humanitarian crisis, and human rights abuses as well as to reinforce the key partnership between Canada and the African Union. On June 22, 2022, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Canada is establishing a dedicated mission and permanent observer to the African Union in Ethiopia. It will enable Canada to bring renewed focus to its relationship with the African Union and strengthen ongoing efforts on shared priorities as well as increase Canada’s support for regional peace and security, including in Ethiopia.

In March 2022, Canada welcomed the Government of Ethiopia’s announcement of a cessation of hostilities and efforts to facilitate immediate humanitarian access. The recent modest improvements in flows of aid to the Tigray region, combined with Prime Minister Abiy’s June 14 announcement regarding plans for a peace process and intention to engage in direct negotiations, are important steps towards a more peaceful Ethiopia.

Ethiopia last held national elections in the summer of 2021. Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes, which are integral elements of democratic societies, as well as initiatives that foster resilience. Canada’s support for elections has included programming to support technical expertise, capacity building, and election observation. Canada also funds programs that support the strengthening of Ethiopia’s democratic institutions, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth, and ethnic groups in the electoral process, and will continue to support democratic and electoral reforms that are beneficial to and inclusive of all Ethiopian citizens.  The Government of Canada has repeatedly called for the establishment of a clear inclusive political process that is acceptable to all Ethiopians, including the citizens of Tigray, and which leads to a wider national reconciliation process. Canada along with like-minded partners continues to press the Government of Ethiopia and all relevant stakeholders to establish a broad-based national dialogue process and to commit to peaceful solutions. The establishment of a National Dialogue Commission and a Peace Committee are welcome developments that will be closely followed; Canada is funding a project to increase women’s participation in the National Dialogue and peacebuilding. Canada does not provide budgetary support or other development assistance directly to the Government of Ethiopia.

Canada is also committed to supporting Ethiopians in achieving progress toward their political, social, and economic development goals. Canada will continue to uphold these values in line with its foreign policy and development priorities, including as part of its ongoing engagement in Ethiopia.