Persistent Sexual Violence in Tigray Despite Peace Deal, Study Reveals
A report by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa reveals that sexual violence against women by Eritrean and Ethiopian forces continues in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, almost a year after the peace agreement was signed. The study examined 304 medical records and found "widespread and systematic conflict-related sexual violence" against civilians, with nearly half of the cases occurring after the peace agreement. Survivors identified their attackers as belonging to Eritrean or Ethiopian armed forces. The report highlights the long-term consequences for survivors, including physical injuries, mental conditions, unwanted pregnancies, and the transmission of HIV. The Ethiopian government has not responded to the report, and there are concerns about the lack of international attention and monitoring of the situation.