In its newly released annual report, Human Rights Watch pointed out that serious violations have been committed by government security forces, militias, and armed groups in conflict areas and other parts of the country.

Human Rights Watch stated that the conflict in the Amhara region is particularly severe, with “war crimes” allegedly committed by government security forces and Fano militants.

Human Rights Watch, citing data from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, reported that government security forces have committed “extrajudicial killings, sexual assaults, torture, and inhumane treatment of civilians.” For example, on January 29, 2024, senior Ethiopian government security forces announced that they had “killed many civilians en masse” in Marawi, North Gojjam Zone, Amhara region.

Additionally, the organization pointed out that Fano militants were responsible for the killing of civilians, attacks on civilian properties, and illegal arrests. Human Rights Watch reported that the region has “recorded high levels of violence” and that the human rights situation is deteriorating. Eight aid workers were killed in 2024, prompting the United Nations to consider halting aid operations amid the escalating crisis.

The report also highlighted ongoing violations committed by Eritrean soldiers in the Tigray region, including sexual violence against women and children and looting of civilian property.

Human Rights Watch noted an increase in kidnappings for ransom across the country. In July 2024, more than 100 people, mostly university students, were kidnapped in the Oromia region. The organization also stated that during the state of emergency from February to June, there were mass arrests and movement restrictions targeting journalists, protesters, and human rights activists.

“The media continues to be controlled by the government. Many journalists forced to choose between censorship, imprisonment, or exile,” according to Human Rights Watch. The organization indicated that 54 journalists have emigrated from the country since 2020.

Human Rights Watch also mentioned that civil society organizations have faced significant pressure. For example, in May, Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) workers were attacked by government security forces. In November 2024, the government banned several civil society organizations, including the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD).

The advocacy group added that the government announced the adoption of a transitional justice policy in April but criticized it as “inadequate” due to the lack of transparent and independent oversight. Human Rights Watch explained that “Ethiopian authorities continue to deny the violation of the rights of civilians.”

The institution also stated, “The international partners of the Ethiopian government have continued their normal relations with the government without taking into account the ongoing rights violations.”