ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Center for Victims of Torture^TM (CVT) today issued this statement of support for civilians and aid workers in Tigray, Ethiopia.

As a humanitarian organization working in Tigray Region, CVT is deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis throughout the region, and its impact on the lives of civilians. We are also distressed by the impact on partner humanitarian aid workers, some of whom have been reported to be killed during the last month while at work. 

We request respect for International Humanitarian Law and the Ethiopian constitution, including the protection of civilians and humanitarian aid workers. Any deaths of civilians, as well as humanitarian aid workers, are tragedies, and we urge all parties to the Tigray crisis to ensure full respect for International Humanitarian Law.

While we are encouraged by recent humanitarian deliveries by the Government of Ethiopia, UN and NGO partners, we remain deeply concerned about the lack of basic necessities and services available to civilians across Tigray Region including food, water and medicines. After over a month of disruption, supplies are running dangerously low across the region. We ask the government to continue the restoration of basic services and amenities, as well as to enable access and security for humanitarian services to resume for all Ethiopian citizens.

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The Center for Victims of Torture is a nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Paul, MN, with offices in Atlanta, GA, and Washington, D.C.; and healing initiatives in Africa and the Middle East. Visit www.cvt.org.