Mekelle, February 12, 2025 (Tigray Herald)
Condemnation and Urgent Appeal Against the TPLF Splinter Group’s Illegal Actions Against IDPs in Tigray
Issued by: Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJI)
Introduction
We, the Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJI), unequivocally condemn the illegal and inhumane actions of the failed Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF splinter group, which has been forcefully extorting humanitarian aid money from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Tigray. This reprehensible act, as exposed by the World Food Programme (WFP), constitutes a grave violation of international law and human rights standards, further deepening the suffering of already vulnerable displaced civilians facing starvation and severe hardship.
Illegal Extortion of Humanitarian Aid Funds: A Grave Violation of International Law
It has come to light that this TPLF splinter group, with blatant disregard for moral and legal principles, has been coercing displaced Tigrayans into surrendering portions of their humanitarian aid funds. This is not only a despicable act of corruption and cruelty but also a flagrant breach of international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights law, as outlined in the following legal frameworks:
Relevant International Legal Violations
Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), Articles 55 & 59
Mandates that governing authorities must ensure the provision of humanitarian relief without obstruction to civilians. Extorting aid from IDPs is a war crime.
Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, Article 70 (1)
Guarantees the right of war-affected civilians to receive humanitarian relief without misappropriation or coercion.
UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement (1998), Principle 25
Affirms that IDPs must have unrestricted access to humanitarian assistance, and authorities must not interfere with relief efforts.
Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Article 8 (2)(b)(xxv)
Defines the pillage of humanitarian aid and resources as a war crime prosecutable under ICC jurisdiction.
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Articles 3 and 25
Upholds the right to life, security, and basic welfare, which is violated when IDPs are deprived of essential food and resources.
TPLF Splinter Group’s Prioritization of Party Interests Over the People’s Survival
While the displaced people of Tigray struggle for food, shelter, and basic dignity, the TPLF splinter group has prioritized its lavish and propagandistic 50th-anniversary celebrations, using stolen humanitarian funds for self-glorification. This is an appalling betrayal of the very people they claim to represent.
Instead of working towards the safe return of IDPs, economic recovery, and political stability, this faction has:
Engaged in systemic embezzlement of humanitarian funds meant for the starving population.
Deliberately obstructed IDPs from returning home, using their displacement as a political tool to maintain control.
Diverted international humanitarian aid to fund political propaganda and sustain illegitimate power structures.
Call for Unified Tigrayan and International Condemnation
We call on all Tigrayans, regardless of political affiliations, to publicly denounce these criminal actions. It is unacceptable to allow a failed faction to sacrifice the well-being of innocent civilians for political survival. The people of Tigray must not be held hostage by a splinter group that has lost legitimacy and moral standing.
Furthermore, we urge the following international organizations and governing bodies to take immediate action:
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
World Food Programme (WFP)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Amnesty International & Human Rights Watch
African Union and IGAD
European Union and United States Government
These organizations must launch urgent investigations into these illegal activities and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Urgent Demands for Immediate Action
Immediate cessation of forced collection of humanitarian aid funds from IDPs by the TPLF splinter group.
Independent investigation into the mismanagement and theft of humanitarian aid funds.
Legal accountability for those responsible for violating IDPs’ rights and misappropriating aid.
Unrestricted humanitarian access for aid organizations to provide direct assistance to IDPs without political interference.
Support mechanisms for the safe return of IDPs to their homes, free from political manipulation and coercion.
Conclusion
The illegal and exploitative actions of the TPLF splinter group must be unequivocally condemned by all Tigrayans, international human rights organizations, and global legal bodies. Forcing starving IDPs to surrender their humanitarian aid is a crime that cannot be justified under any circumstances.
We, the Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJI), reaffirm our unwavering commitment to advocating for justice, transparency, and the protection of Tigray’s most vulnerable populations. The suffering of the people must never be used as a political tool, and those responsible must face full legal consequences under international law.
We call for immediate action and international intervention to halt this injustice and ensure that Tigray’s displaced population receives the aid, security, and dignity they deserve.
Prepared by
Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJI)
Email: TAHRJI@outlook.com
Date: February 12, 2025
