The newly appointed UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, says the impact of Tigray airstrikes on civilians is “utterly staggering,” calling all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities.

Mr Türk, in a statement on Tuesday, said parties to the conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia must cease all hostilities immediately and work towards a peaceful and lasting solution.

He warned that the latest airstrikes risk worsening the already devastating impact the fighting is having on civilians.

“Since August 31, we have received numerous reports of civilian casualties and destruction of civilian objects due to airstrikes and artillery strikes in Tigray – disruptions to communication make it particularly difficult to verify reports, but it is clear that the toll on civilians is utterly staggering,’’ stated the UN official.

Ethiopian government troops and Tigray forces have been at war for nearly two years. Following a five-month humanitarian truce announced in late March, there was a lull in the fighting, but hostilities have flared up again.

A staff member of the International Rescue Committee, a non-governmental organisation, was among those killed in recent incidents.

“The aid worker was part of a team delivering humanitarian assistance to women and children. Their death was “completely unacceptable. I am also deeply troubled by the significant risk of escalation in light of continued mass mobilisation of soldiers and fighters by various parties to the conflict,’’ Mr Türk said.

The UN rights chief appealed to the warring parties to end their conflict and work towards peace.

He reminded them of their obligation to respect international human rights law, as well as international humanitarian law, including by taking measures to protect civilians and allow humanitarians to access people in need.

“Under international law, indiscriminate attacks or attacks deliberately targeting civilians or civilian objects amount to war crimes,” added Mr Türk.

He further stressed the need to support efforts towards ensuring accountability for gross violations and abuses of international law committed during the conflict.

(NAN)