The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has
renewed its request to the Ethiopian government seeking access to the country
to conduct an independent assessment of continuing protests.
A statement issued in Geneva on Friday,
by the commission’s spokesperson, Rupert Colville, said, ‘‘There is clearly a
need for an independent investigation into what exactly transpired last Sunday,
and to ensure accountability for this and several other incidents since last
November involving protests that have ended violently.’‘
In August this year, the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein disclosed that they had
requested access to the troubled regions to of Oromia and Amhara enable the
Office to provide assistance in line with Ethiopia’s human rights obligations.
‘‘We again appeal to the Government
to grant us access,’‘ the latest statement added.
They UN body also touched on the
issue of internet cut which was reported to have started on Tuesday and is till
in full effect as at Friday. Even though connection for fixed lines have been
partially restored.
‘‘Instead of cutting off access to
mobile data services in parts of the country, including in Addis Ababa, we urge
the Government to take concrete measures to address the increasing tensions,’‘
the statement said.
The UN also expressed concern over
the issue of the arrested bloggers, Seyoum Teshoume and Natnael Feleke, the two
are said to have been detained for loudly discussing the complicity of the
government in the deadly stampede of last Sunday.
‘‘There have also been worrying
reports of mass arrests in the Oromia and Amhara regions. We urge the
Government to release those detained for exercising their rights to free
expression and opinion. Silencing criticism will only deepen tensions,’‘ the UN
concluded.
Source: Africa News
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