Report on Sexual Violence in Tigray and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Over the past years, tens of thousands of Tigrayan women have suffered extreme sexual violence, including gang rape and the forced insertion of foreign objects into their reproductive organs. These acts, perpetrated during the conflict in Tigray involving Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, constitute grave violations of human rights and international law, amounting to genocide aimed at destroying fertility within the ethnic group.

Case Study: Tseneat’s Experience

Tseneat, a mother of twins from Zalambessa, eastern Tigray, was gang-raped by six soldiers in November 2020. Following the assault, eight rusted screws, a pair of steel nail clippers, and a threatening note were forcibly inserted into her womb. The note explicitly stated the intent to make Tigrayan females infertile, reflecting a systematic campaign of ethnic destruction.

Patterns of Sexual Violence and Genocide

• Medical evidence shows a pattern of foreign bodies such as nails, screws, plastic, sand, gravel, and letters being inserted into women’s reproductive organs.
• These acts are recognized under international law as genocide when intended to destroy an ethnic group by preventing births.
• Notes found with victims reveal intentions linked to historical border disputes and vengeance.

Context of the Conflict in Tigray

The conflict began in November 2020 when Ethiopian federal forces, supported by Eritrean troops and Amhara militias, invaded Tigray following political tensions. The war led to a blockade, information blackout, and a humanitarian crisis marked by mass killings and widespread sexual violence against women.

Impact on Women and Healthcare Challenges

1. Many survivors suffer severe physical injuries, chronic pain, infertility, and psychological trauma.
2. Stigma and threats from soldiers have prevented many women from seeking medical care.
3. Medical facilities are limited, and many records were destroyed or not kept due to conflict conditions.
4. Healthcare providers faced intimidation, limiting support for survivors.

Healthcare Response and Documentation

• Hospitals like Ayder in Mekelle and clinics led by nuns have documented cases and preserved evidence including X-rays and foreign objects.
• Medical professionals report unprecedented brutality and the intentional nature of these acts.
• Thousands of survivors have been treated, but many more remain undocumented and untreated.

Justice and Accountability Issues

• Eritrean forces, identified as primary perpetrators, have denied allegations and refuse to participate in transitional justice processes.
• The Ethiopian government has faced accusations of war crimes but limited accountability has been achieved.
• International investigations have been disbanded or obstructed, leaving survivors without justice.
• The ongoing occupation and violence in Tigray exacerbate the situation, risking renewed conflict.

Continued Violence and Survivor Testimonies

Survivors report captivity, repeated rape, torture, and mutilation at military bases. Many endure long-term physical and psychological harm, with insufficient access to medical and psychological care.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The sexual violence and conflict in Tigray severely undermine multiple SDGs:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Survivors face chronic health issues, lack of medical care, and mental health challenges.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – Systematic sexual violence targets women, violating their rights and dignity.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Lack of accountability and justice perpetuates impunity and insecurity.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The blockade and conflict contribute to hunger and malnutrition in the region.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Ethnic targeting exacerbates inequalities and social exclusion.

Challenges in Aid and Support

1. Approximately 90% of women affected by sexual violence have not received medical or psychological assistance.
2. Funding cuts from international donors, including the US and UK, have led to the closure of critical support services.
3. Mobile clinics and counseling centers are shutting down, leaving survivors without essential care.

Survivor Stories Highlighting Urgent Needs

• Esther, a 15-year-old survivor, awaits surgery for injuries sustained during an attack involving rape and severe burns.
• Hana, 21, was abducted and repeatedly raped, suffering acid burns that require plastic surgery unavailable due to resource constraints.
• Many survivors live with ongoing trauma, stigma, and lack of access to justice and healthcare.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The ongoing crisis in Tigray represents a profound violation of human rights and a significant barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Immediate international attention is required to:

1. Ensure access to comprehensive healthcare and psychological support for survivors (SDG 3).
2. Promote gender equality and protect women from violence (SDG 5).
3. Strengthen justice mechanisms and accountability for perpetrators (SDG 16).
4. Restore humanitarian aid and support to alleviate hunger and poverty (SDG 2 and SDG 10).
5. Prevent further conflict and promote lasting peace in the region.

Justice and healing for Tigrayan women are critical to rebuilding communities and advancing sustainable development in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article highlights severe health consequences faced by survivors of sexual violence, including physical injuries, infertility, chronic pain, and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
   • It discusses the lack of medical and psychological assistance for survivors.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on sexual violence against women and girls, including rape, gang rape, and targeted attacks to destroy fertility.
   • It addresses the stigma survivors face and the need for justice and protection of women’s rights.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses war crimes, lack of accountability, transitional justice failures, and ongoing violence in the Tigray region.
   • It highlights the need for justice for survivors and accountability for perpetrators.
4. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article mentions the blockade leading to an escalating hunger crisis in Tigray.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article touches on ethnic-based violence and discrimination against Tigrayan women.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.
   • Target 3.4: Reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.3: Eliminate harmful practices, such as violence and discrimination against women.
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
4. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws and practices.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Proportion of women of reproductive age who have their need for family planning satisfied with modern methods (related to Target 3.7).
   • Coverage of essential health services, including sexual and reproductive health services.
   • Prevalence of mental health conditions such as PTSD among survivors.
   • Number and proportion of survivors receiving medical and psychological assistance.
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Proportion of women and girls subjected to sexual violence (as reported in the article: about 10% of Tigray’s women, with 70% gang-raped).
   • Number of cases of gender-based violence reported and receiving support.
   • Legal frameworks and policies to protect women from violence.
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age.
   • Proportion of victims of violence who report their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms.
   • Number of verified cases of war crimes and sexual violence investigated and prosecuted.
   • Existence and effectiveness of transitional justice mechanisms.
4. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Prevalence of undernourishment and hunger in the population.
   • Access to food aid and humanitarian assistance.
5. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Measures of inequality in access to services and justice among ethnic groups.
   • Incidence of discriminatory practices and violence based on ethnicity.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: theguardian.com