The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) has issued a strong statement calling for urgent action to protect humanitarian workers in conflict-affected regions, following the tragic death of Yared Melese, a humanitarian worker with the NGO Action for Social Development and Environmental Protection Organization (ASDEPO). Yared was kidnapped for ransom and later killed by an unidentified armed group in Dawunt Woreda, North Wello Zone, Amhara Region.
Yared’s death marks the eighth humanitarian worker killed in Ethiopia in 2024, six of whom were in the Amhara Region. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and grief within the humanitarian community. Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov, the Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, expressed his deepest condolences to Yared’s family and colleagues, stating, “We condemn in the strongest terms the kidnapping for ransom and subsequent killing of our colleague, Yared Melese, by criminals, whilst he was serving in the line of duty. Yared was a brave and dedicated humanitarian worker who was ready to assist civilians in need under extremely challenging circumstances.”
The ECSOC, echoing the sentiments of the humanitarian community, voiced grave concerns over the increasing violence against aid workers in Ethiopia. The Council detailed a troubling rise in violent incidents, including killings, assaults, kidnappings, vehicle seizures, and the looting of humanitarian supplies, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions. These attacks have severely disrupted relief operations and hindered the delivery of critical services to vulnerable populations.
In its statement, the ECSOC condemned these “abhorrent” and “despicable” attacks, labeling them as a “flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law.” The Council emphasized that humanitarian workers, who risk their lives to provide life-saving assistance, must be protected at all costs and should never be subjected to such targeting.
The ECSOC is now demanding an immediate cessation of these “unconscionable attacks” and is calling on community elders, religious leaders, local governments, armed groups, and community organizations in the affected areas to denounce these “heinous acts” and fulfill their moral obligation to safeguard the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.
Dr. Alakbarov also stressed the broader impact of these attacks on humanitarian operations, stating, “When humanitarian workers are targeted, our ability to deliver assistance to the people in need in affected areas is seriously compromised. We have engaged with respective Government institutions regarding the speedy investigation and the necessary process to bring perpetrators of this and previously committed crimes to justice.”
Despite the immense challenges, the ECSOC urged humanitarian workers and organizations to persevere in their life-saving work, particularly for women, children, and marginalized groups. The Council reiterated, “Their selfless efforts to alleviate suffering must be respected and protected. There can be no justification for impeding this critical humanitarian work.”
As the humanitarian community in Ethiopia mourns the loss of Yared Melese, the ECSOC’s call for action serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to protect those who dedicate their lives to helping others in some of the most dangerous environments.
