On November 4th 2020, a state of emergency was declared in Tigray by the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Since then, a communications black-out has prevented the international media from obtaining independent information from inside the region. Nevertheless there are increasing numbers of credible reports of Eritrean and Ethiopian government forces committing horrific human rights violations, and the denial of access for the distribution of food aid and medical supplies. On 7th Feb the Executive Director of the UN World Food Programme, David Beasley stated “Latest preliminary estimates indicate that 2.5 to 3 million people in the region require emergency food assistance. Reports indicate that the nutrition situation requires greater attention, with young children and pregnant and lactating mothers the most vulnerable". While leading nations and organisations across the world have issued statements of condemnation and pledged help, our own government's response has been weak. This may be in part because it is committed to reducing its legal obligation to provide 0.7% of GNI to aid. I am asking you to stand up for justice and persuade the UK government to

a)     honour its legal obligation to contribute 0.7% of GNI to aid

b)     make a public statement formally condemning the actions of Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces in Tigray

c)     make the following demands of the Ethiopian government:

• cease hostilities in Tigray, and urge all other forces engaged in conflict in the region to do likewise
• guarantee safe humanitarian access to affected areas in Tigray and affected neighbouring areas
• allow international media access so that the situation can be reported independently
• restore communications, including internet services, to the whole of Tigray
  
• allow safe access for the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to carry out an international investigation into violations of international humanitarian and refugee law
• to bring to justice all those  found guilty of human rights violations during the conflict.