Ethiopia’s conflict sees epidemic of sexual violence against women

Ethiopia is facing a humanitarian crisis regarding conflict-related sexual and reproductive violence, particularly in the northern regions of Tigray, Amhara, and Afar. This violence has been reported as systematic and utilized as a weapon of war, predominantly affecting women during the two-year conflict. On July 31, 2025, a comprehensive report by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa revealed alarming patterns of sexual violence against women, based on extensive data collection that included medical records and surveys from health workers. The findings indicate that a staggering 91% of surveyed health workers noted that their patients had survived multiple perpetrator rapes. The implications of these findings highlight the horrific norm that rape and sexual violence have become in the midst of ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the involvement of soldiers from both the Eritrean and Ethiopian military as well as local militias. Additional interviews with health workers revealed sentiments from the perpetrators, illustrating their intent to eradicate the Tigrayan population while committing these atrocities. These insights provide valuable evidence regarding not only the frequency of these crimes but the intentions underpinning them, stemming from both a lack of international response and attention to the ongoing deterioration of the situation in northern Ethiopia. The report also sheds light on the spread of conflict-related sexual violence to other regions like Amhara and Afar, suggesting a growing pattern of unchecked aggression. Survivors continue to struggle with the ramifications of these attacks, emphasizing the crucial need for comprehensive support systems and preventative measures to address this escalating crisis.