America News Agency

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Turk warned that the human rights and humanitarian situation in the Tigray region could worsen due to the recent conflicts, calling for urgent steps to be taken.

Turk stated, "The situation is still extremely volatile, and there is a risk of further deterioration. All parties, with the support of the international community, need to make determined efforts to de-escalate tensions rather than escalate them. Political dialogue and confidence-building measures must be implemented urgently."

On January 26, the fighting intensified in northwest Tigray, near the Amhara border in Tselemti and Laelay Tselemti areas; drones, artillery, and other heavy weapons were used. Both sides reportedly conducted arrests and detentions during and after the fighting. Turk warned: "Civilians are once again caught in the middle. This must stop."

In southern and southeastern Tigray, near the Afar border, clashes between the Tigray Defense Forces and a rival group, the "Tigray Peace Forces," continue. In the 2020-2022 Tigray conflict, around two million people were displaced.

Turk said, "Both sides must step back and resolve their differences through political means. Alleged serious violations must be independently investigated."

He also warned that tensions between Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea could exacerbate the existing human rights and humanitarian issues in the Horn of Africa.