Send neutral aid to where the conflict has captured.

Re: Urgent Appeal for Improved Detention Conditions and Humanitarian Assistance in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Dear Sir or Madam,

We, members of the Federation of Amhara Associations in Europe, are writing to express our profound concern regarding the dire humanitarian situation in the Amhara region of Ethiopia.

For over a year, the Amhara region has been devastated by a civil war declared by the Abiy Ahmed regime, which has turned against its own people. The region has been under blockade restricting freedom of movement of people, goods and services. Civilian infrastructure and public services have been totally destroyed or severely damaged, plunging millions into dire humanitarian crises.

In this armed conflict, the Amhara Fano forces have captured a significant number of government combatants. We commend their publicly known and well reported commitment to upholding the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and treating prisoners of war with dignity and respect, in accordance with the Geneva Conventions — unlike the government forces that practise collective punishment of innocent civilians including public executions, destruction of homes and properties.

In a letter addressed on September 13, 2024 to your organization, the Amhara Fano forces have earnestly requested your assistance in addressing urgent humanitarian needs to provide the care needed for prisoners of war. We wholeheartedly uphold this appeal and we would like to stress the urgency of effective assistance needed.

We urge you to:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian situation in the Amhara region, with a particular focus on the needs of prisoners of war and the civilian populations.
• Facilitate the distribution of neutral and impartial humanitarian aid to prisoners of war, displaced populations, and communities affected by the conflict.
• Strengthen the capacity of local actors to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

By providing humanitarian assistance in the Amhara region, the ICRC can not only ameliorate the living conditions of the affected populations but also contribute to fostering peace and stability in the region.

We are confident that the ICRC, with its proven expertise and unwavering neutrality, can play a pivotal role in alleviating this humanitarian crisis. We remain at your disposal to provide any further information and to assist you in your endeavours.

We look forward to a positive response.