Hundreds of rape cases have been reported throughout Tigray since the beginning of the conflict – which has now been going on for four months. Hospitals have received many cases of abortions or serious injuries as a result of these rapes. The victims suffer from psychological trauma. Possible war crimes, but so far no independent investigative body has gained access to the region.
Wrapped in a pink blanket, a young girl is waiting for an abortion, three months after she was raped when she tried to join the family. since the beginning of the conflict – more than 150 victims in the last month. I even saw a patient who was HIV-positive, ”testifies this doctor.
Some were able to find refuge in a specialized place. They all want to be anonymous. “They came to every house and took out the men. They left me inside so I stayed at home and then they raped me. Three soldiers raped me and then when they left I fainted because I was bleeding too much “, says a young woman, only 20 years old.
Despite her trauma, she considers herself one of the lucky ones who managed to escape. “Many women are victims but they could not come here. We want to work and get an education. We want the problems to end and the international community to listen to us. ”
In addition to Mekele, we find the same stories of gang rape. At Adigrat’s Hospital, a doctor has counted 174 cases since the hostilities began. He says one of the victims was kidnapped for more than ten days. “They injected her with two drugs. She passed away and does not know what happened during the night. They threw her under a tree on rocks. She explains that she was raped by 23 Eritrean soldiers. ”
The government claims to be investigating cases of alleged rape, but so far no independent body has been authorized to enter Tigray. The UN warns of possible war crimes.
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