BRUSSELS, Belgium- After reports of abuse and human rights violations as well as claims of genocide, the Ethiopian government has pledged to take action. Although the government has denied all allegations, mainly produced by the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONFL), it did however address the United Nations (UN) report released last month. The UN report did not address the claims by the ONFL, instead it focused on the deteriorating humanitarian conditions. Ethiopia’s constructive response to adhere to UN recommendation was commended by the European Union (EU).

However, humanitarian aid groups like Medecins Sans Frontiers and the International Committee of the Red Cross have accused Ethiopian authorities of denying them access to the region. On Tuesday, the EU urged the Ethiopian government to ensure that civilians in the area received the much needed aid.

For more information please see:

Reuters: Africa- EU Urges Ethiopia to Allow Aid to Ogaden Region – 9 October 2007