Grave Breaches of International Law in Tigray
This project examines the road to accountability for crimes allegedly committed against Tigrayans during the armed conflict that took place in Ethiopia from November 2020 to at least November 2022. The project scrutinizes the three atrocity crimes of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity perpetrated against Tigrayans, applying international legal standards to assess the conduct of parties to the conflict. The project also examines often overlooked gender based crimes, including conflict related sexual violence, which was used by all parties in the war.
Documenting Atrocity Crimes
The project applies the legal frameworks governing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity to examine the treatment of Tigrayans during the conflict. By gathering and analyzing available evidence, the project assesses which acts may rise to the level of international crimes and identifies the parties responsible. This documentation serves as a foundation for future accountability efforts, whether through domestic courts, international tribunals, or transitional justice mechanisms.
Addressing Gender-Based Violence
Conflict-related sexual violence was a pervasive feature of the war in Tigray, perpetrated by all parties to the conflict. The project places particular emphasis on documenting these crimes, which are frequently underreported and deprioritized in accountability processes. By centering gender-based violence in its analysis, the project seeks to ensure that survivors’ experiences are recognized and that those responsible face justice alongside perpetrators of other atrocity crimes.
