02/13/2026
Rights Watch urges leaders at summit to address crisis
Human Rights Watch ( ) has called on African and international leaders attending the 39th African Union (AU) summit in Addis Abeba to speak out on the deteriorating human rights situation in Ethiopia and the fragile peace in the Tigray region.
In a statement released today, the rights group highlighted renewed fighting in late January between the Ethiopian army and Tigrayan forces in central and southern , which has caused widespread displacement.
HRW also pointed to ongoing hostilities in the region, where Ethiopian authorities have accused neighboring of backing armed groups.
The group said AU leaders should not fear alienating Ethiopia, but instead use the summit as an opportunity to prioritize civilian protection. HRW urged that all actors, including signatories and non-signatories to the November 2022 Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, be called upon to safeguard civilians, ensure aid access, and uphold basic services and transitional justice measures.
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