UN Releases Their Report on Ethiopia’s Eastern Region

OGADEN, Ethiopia- On Wednesday, the United Nations (UN) released their report on the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. The region, which borders Somalia and is predominantly inhabited by Somalis, has been caught between the clashes of the government and rebels for several months. The anticipated report comes after the UN humanitarian assessment team visited the region from August 30th to September 5th.

The report comes after the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) alleges violations of human rights by government military. The government has denied all allegations. The team visited three of the five zones in the Somali Regional State. According to the ONLF, the Fik and Warder zones are the areas where the worst atrocities were committed; the UN mission was only granted access to “routes approved by the regime.”

The report however did not comment on the claims of abuses. Yet, taking into account the deteriorating situation in the region and direct accounts of human rights abuses, the report does urgently recommend an independent investigation of those allegations.

Instead, the main focus of the report was the humanitarian and food situation. The OFLA has also accused the government of creating a man-made famine. The report expresses concerns of drastic food, drug and medical shortages that will likely reach emergency level very shortly. The region has long been extremely poor but the increased fighting between the ONLF and the government has worsened the conditions. Furthermore, the government commercial and livestock trade restrictions have only aggravated the situation. The price of food has nearly doubled.

The report calls for immediate and “impartial” food distribution to 600,000 people in the region for the next three months. The government has promised to ensure the needs of the people through its collaboration with the UN. The report further appeals to both sides to guarantee the food and medical aid reach those in need.

For more information please see:

BBC - UN Seeks Ethiopia Abuses Inquiry - 20 September 2007

Yahoo News (AFP) - UN Calls for Probe into Alleged Eastern Ethiopia Rights Abuses - 19 September 2007

AllAfrica.com – Ethiopia: UN Report Warn of Food Crisis in Ogaden - 20 September 2007