Today on the 14th of December 2020, H.E Ambassador Hirut Zemene discussed with European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, regarding the over all situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, the humanitarian and human Rights situation, and the efforts being made by the Ethiopian government to restore communications, provide humanitarian assistance, and rebuild infrastructure in the region.

The two sides agreed to further enhance bilateral consultations on the latest developments in Ethiopia on a regular basis.

Ethiopians living in Belgium and Luxembourg donate over 800,000 birr to support affected people during the recently carried out law enforcement operation in Ethiopia.

In a webinar discussion facilitated by the Ethiopian embassy in Belgium and held on Sunday (December 13), H.E. Hirut Zemene, Ambassador of Ethiopia to the Kingdom of Belgium, Luxembourg, and the EU institutions, briefed the participants on the current situations in the country.

She underlined that Ethiopians living abroad and those of Ethiopian descent need to support the government’s efforts in rehabilitating displaced people and those affected during the law enforcement operation.

Participants and representatives of Ethiopian community organizations in Belgium and Luxembourg, on their part, said that it is not only an Ethiopian duty but also an honor to be able to support those affected by the law enforcement operation in Ethiopia.

They expressed hope that the fundraising campaign would further be strengthened.

Finally, Ambassador Hirut commended the efforts of Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent in Belgium and Luxembourg for mobilizing financial and medical support giving priority to the wellbeing of their fellow Ethiopians at home, and understanding the urgency of the matter.

The Federal Government has been undertaking a law enforcement operation in the Tigray region since November 4, 2020 against the TPLF militia that conducted a treasonous attack on the Northern Command of the Ethiopian Defense Forces. The Ethiopian government’s military operation to restore the constitutional order has taken three weeks and was completed when Mekelle city came under Federal command. The Federal Police has been deployed to gather evidence and arrest the leadership and members of the TPLF that are responsible for the heinous crimes. In parallel, all responsible government bodies are working on infrastructure maintenance and disaster risk management to restore basic services and to deliver humanitarian assistance.

The Government of Ethiopia is committed to put all available resources to address the humanitarian challenges on time. The Ethiopian Government also wishes to reiterate that it highly treasures its partnership with UN Agencies and recognizes their invaluable contribution to our national development programs and disaster risk management activities. Moreover, it will continue to provide all essential humanitarian assistance jointly with the United Nations per the terms of the agreement.

The Ethiopian Government is concerned about the manner in which the recent unauthorized travel of UN staff to an insecure area was reported. And in this regard, wishes to set the record straight. On 06 December 2020, a convoy carrying UN staff without authorized travel permits, ignored the repeated warning and pleas of security officials, in breach of the agreement between the Government and the UN on humanitarian access. Law enforcement personnel had to stop the vehicle and escort the UN staff to a place of safety.

As per the Agreement, it is important that all humanitarian workers follow the security guidelines set out by the Government of Ethiopia. The Government takes its obligation to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers and supplies seriously. We wish to once again remind all humanitarian workers to respect the agreed safety protocols and follow the advice of the law enforcement personnel. While the government recognizes the need by international humanitarian organizations to urgently get aid supplies across the Tigray region, it maintains a position that proper authorization is required from federal authorities.

The Government welcomes the apology given by H.E Dr. Catherine Sozi, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, on the incident. It also hopes that the UN will put mechanisms in place to prevent similar breaches in the future as it undermines humanitarian coordination and poses serious security risks.

The Ethiopian Government reaffirms its readiness to work closely with the UN pursuant to the Agreement concluded on 29 November 2020. The people and Government of Ethiopia are grateful for the critical assistance provided to our vulnerable citizens in this time of need.

Ethiopian Investment Commission continued its engagement with investors.

EIC holds a seminar with EU investors. The investment law reform, investors issues and potential solutions are being discussed. The role of strong aftercare service is also on the agenda.

Today the cabinet endorsed #Ethiopia’s 10-year perspective plan which will enable the country’s high growth trajectory and position Ethiopia as an African beacon of prosperity.

The plan consists of 10 pillars with unique focus areas on peacebuilding and institutional transformation

The Council of Ministers also approved the draft Media Proclamation which governs print and broadcast media, also introducing a legal framework for online media.

Outlining roles and responsibilities in the sector, the proclamation will bolster freedom of expression and press freedoms.

#PMOEthiopia

Ethiopia has a very long, and cherished history of hospitality and generosity to people who are forcibly displaced due to man-made and natural calamities. Currently, the Government of Ethiopia is providing protection to nearly one million refugees mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea, and Sudan. These refugees are now hosted in 26 camps and non-camp locations.

The majority of these refugees in Ethiopia live in camps where they are provided with adequate protection and social services including food and non-food items, water and sanitation, shelter, healthcare, education, and other amenities. The Government through its “Out of Camp Policy” has entitled refugees and asylum seekers to live at a place of their choice outside refugee camp or settlement including in our capital, Addis Ababa provided that they cover their full costs by themselves or through their relatives, friends, or others who commit to supporting them. This has given opportunities to refugees to be productive members and enjoy normal life among the community. However, the procedure to apply for out of camp life needs to be processed in the camps in the interest of accountability and qualification purpose.

The Ethiopia refugee operation is now home to close to 200,000 Eritrean refugees across the country. Most of them are mainly sheltered in Tigray and Afar regions as well as in Addis Ababa.

The recently concluded law enforcement military operation by the Federal Government in the Tigray region of Ethiopia was not a direct threat to the Eritrean refugees who are living within and outside the camps. However, a large number of misinformed Eritrean refugees are moving out in an irregular manner particularly from Mai-Ayni and Adi-Harush refugee camps to Addis Ababa. Such an unregulated movement of the refugees with high dependence on aid will create difficulties in ensuring their safety, security, dignity, and in providing a coordinated protection and assistance. Given the priority the government gives to humanitarian assistance, the refugees were kept in a dignified manner and sheltered and nurtured by the government.

Simultaneously, the Government is working tirelessly to fully reactivate and continue provision of critical lifesaving services to the refugees as well as to ensure a safe and secured operating environment for frontline responders. As a result of which transportation of food to the camps is underway among other things. At this point in time, the areas in Tigray region in which the Eritrean refugee camps are situated are stable given that they are under the full control of the Federal Government.

With that understanding, therefore, the Government is safely returning those refugees to their respective camps where they can have access to service delivery systems, and more importantly they can live lawfully and peacefully with the communities that host them.

ETHIOPIA STATE OF EMERGENCY FACT CHECK Twitter: @SOEFactCheck Facebook: EthiopiaSOEFactCheck

“The Federal government takes its responsibility to citizen safety and well-being seriously and is committed to ensuring that vulnerable communities in Tigray region are provided the necessary humanitarian assistance. Reports to the contrary are results of a misinformation campaign by those that are bent on undermining the Federal government. ”
#PMOEthiopia