My name is Holly Haftom, I’m 16 and from South London. My dad is from Tigray, Ethiopia, and I still have family there. I’m starting this petition because I’m genuinely terrified for my grandad’s safety. For the past few weeks, he hasn’t been able to leave his home because of drones, and I’m afraid of what could happen if the situation gets worse.

This isn’t just something happening far away. It is happening to people’s parents, grandparents, children and families. During the previous war, the UN documented more than 10,000 survivors of sexual violence who sought care at just seven centres in Tigray, primarily women and girls.

And now, in September 2026, the UN has warned of intensified fighting in and around Tigray and called for civilians to be protected and for the situation to be de-escalated.

Please imagine for a moment that it was your grandad, your mum, your dad or your family who was trapped inside their home, afraid to go outside. Imagine being thousands of miles away, unable to protect them.

Tigray is not just somewhere on a map to me. It is my family. I’m asking you to stand with us, help protect civilians and make sure Tigray is not forgotten