Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued the statement below on the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ethiopia.

“I am a firm believer that what affects one directly affects all indirectly, and that we have a moral obligation to stand up for those in need—especially when their rights are being violated. The terrible reality is that famine, crimes against humanity, and potentially genocide are happening now in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. I am praying deeply for the Tigray community and all ethnic groups who have tragically been targeted, on an alarming scale, by the ongoing violence in Ethiopia, and for our Ethiopian community in Georgia as they learn of the suffering of their families, friends, and loved ones in this tragic violence.

“I support the efforts by the Biden Administration to provide humanitarian aid and ensure it reaches those suffering in the Tigray region, and our U.S. diplomatic efforts to monitor the situation and work to ease tensions and reach a ceasefire, and believe that our work cannot stop there. Our government has called on the Ethiopian government to meet its public commitments to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes, protect civilians, immediately withdraw Eritrean troops, and ensure humanitarian access. We must continue to demand humanitarian aid reach all communities, condemn horrific crimes against any ethnic group, and bring critical stakeholders to the table to negotiate long-term peace across Ethiopia. I join our East African brothers and sisters abroad and in Georgia as we call for the end to these atrocities and the shameful blockade of humanitarian aid. We cannot delay critical help any longer.”

###