THE United Nations human rights chief today voiced alarm at recent deadly clashes between Orthodox Christians and Muslims in Ethiopia, and called on authorities to probe and bring perpetrators to justice.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said she is “deeply distressed” by the violence that erupted in northern Ethiopia last month, reportedly killing at least 30 people and injuring more than 100 others.

The clashes started in Gondar, Amhara, on April 26, said to be in connection with a land dispute, before swiftly spreading to other regions and capital Addis Ababa.

The Islamic Affairs Council of Amhara said the funeral of a Muslim elder was attacked, describing the scene as a “massacre” by heavily armed “extremist Christians”.

The cemetery where the attack occurred neighbours a church and mosque, and has been the subject of an ongoing dispute between Orthodox Christians, who are the dominant group in Ethiopia, and Muslims.

“I understand two mosques were burnt and another two partially destroyed in Gondar,” said Bachelet in her statement.

“In the apparent retaliatory attacks that followed, two Orthodox Christian men were reportedly burnt to death and another hacked to death, and five churches burnt down” in the southwest of the country, she said, adding that other regions have since seen clashes.

In all, police reportedly arrested and detained at least 578 people in at least four cities in connection with the clashes, she added.

“I call on Ethiopian authorities to promptly initiate and conduct thorough, independent and transparent investigations into each of these deadly incidents.”

Authorities should strive to “ensure those found to be responsible are held to account”, she said, stressing that “individual accountability of perpetrators is essential to prevent further violence”.

At the same time, “those arrested must be fully accorded due process and fair trial rights in accordance with international human rights law, without discrimination”.

Bachelet also called for broader action to reconcile communities in Ethiopia, where Muslims make up about a third of the population.

“To prevent further inter-religious violence, it is crucial that the underlying causes of this shocking violence are promptly addressed,” she added, urging “meaningful participation of survivors, families and affected communities”. – AFP, May 7, 2022.