Survivors of Tigray War seek justice through first-ever complaint in Germany

In March 2025, eight individuals who survived the Tigray War lodged a historic criminal complaint against twelve high-ranking officials from Ethiopia and Eritrea in Germany. These survivors allege that during the conflict, numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed, which included heinous acts such as murder and widespread sexual violence primarily inflicted on civilians in the Tigray region. Reports from various humanitarian organizations suggest staggering death tolls ranging from 300,000 to 800,000, in addition to thousands suffering from other severe offenses. Despite the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed in November 2022 between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), violence and atrocities have persisted in Tigray. Survivors of the conflict continue to report incidents of torture, arbitrary detention, and starvation. The eight complainants, who currently reside in Germany, are seeking accountability for these crimes through German legal avenues under the principle of universal jurisdiction. This principle allows for prosecution of severe crimes regardless of where they occur or the nationality of the perpetrators or victims. The filing is significant as it is the first complaint of its kind in Germany concerning the Tigray War, aiming at bringing justice for countless victims who have been deprived of any recourse in Ethiopia. Previous efforts have included a complaint filed with the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, which highlighted Ethiopia's human rights obligations during the armed conflict. This earlier complaint urged the Ethiopian government to cease violations and ensure humanitarian access to Tigray. The hope is that the German courts will initiate structural investigations and subsequently conduct individual inquiries into the alleged crimes. By pursuing legal action in Germany, the survivors aim to confront impunity and foster accountability, despite daunting challenges ahead. Their pursuit of justice strikes at the core of the ongoing struggle to address the atrocities that have devastated Tigrayan society. An advocate for these survivors, Tsega, expressed the depth of personal loss experienced due to the conflict, emphasizing the continuing suffering in Tigray. The journey for justice may be challenging, but these courageous actions mark a critical step forward for accountability and healing for the survivors of the Tigray War.