International Commission of Jurists (ICJ): Ethiopian Leaders to Face a Trial for Genocide
by Betre Yacob
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) reported to have begun to
work to bring Ethiopian authorities to justice for having committed a
genocide in the Ogaden region. The International Commission of Jurists
is a known international human rights organization composed of jurists
(including senior judges, attorneys, and lawyers). The commission is
known for its dedication to ensuring respect for international human
rights standards through the law.Swedish TV channels showed a movie
smuggled out from Ogaden by an Ethiopian refugee
The report came right after different Swedish TV channels showed a movie
smuggled out from Ogaden by an Ethiopian refugee, who had been a
government official in the region. The 100 hours long movie is said to
have many evidences of genocide committed by the Ethiopian government in
the region.
Speaking to journalists, Stellan Diaphragm, the commissioner of the
Commission, said that he would do everything necessary to bring the case
to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Reports indicate that although Ethiopia is not a member of the ICC, the
country can possibly face trial for crimes under international law.
The Ogaden region is a territory in Eastern part of Ethiopia, and
populated mainly by ethnic Somalis. Since 2007, the region has been a
site of brutal struggle between the government troops and the Ogaden
National Liberation Front (ONLF), a rebel group seeking for more
autonomy for the region.
Different human right organizations accuse the Ethiopian government of
committing grave human right violation (including genocide) against the
civilians in attempt to control the ONLF’s public support.
According to the Genocide Wach, the crimes committed in the region
include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, rape, torture,
disappearances, the destruction of livelihood, the burning of villages
and the destroying of life stock.
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