Preventing Starvation Crimes: Lessons from Tigray

In a comprehensive analysis, the Stimson Center has highlighted critical shortcomings in the international community's response to the humanitarian crisis during the Tigray genocidal war. The report emphasizes the necessity for robust mechanisms to prevent and address starvation crimes in conflict zones.

Background

The Tigray war, which erupted in November 2020, led to widespread atrocities, including the deliberate use of starvation as a method of warfare. Despite the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2417 in 2018, aimed at preventing conflict-induced hunger, the international response was inadequate, resulting in severe civilian suffering.

Key Findings

The Stimson Center's report identifies several critical failures:

• Delayed Response: Early warnings about the humanitarian crisis in Tigray did not prompt timely action from the UN Security Council, leading to prolonged civilian hardship.

• Lack of Accountability: Despite evidence of starvation crimes, there has been minimal progress in holding perpetrators accountable, undermining international humanitarian law.

• Inadequate Implementation of Resolution 2417: The resolution's mechanisms were not effectively utilized, revealing gaps in the UN's approach to preventing conflict-induced hunger.

Recommendations

To address these issues, the report suggests:

• Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhancing coordination between international and regional actors to ensure timely responses to emerging crises.

• Establishing Accountability Mechanisms: Creating sustainable investigative bodies to document and prosecute starvation crimes, ensuring justice for victims.

• Enhancing UN Coordination: Appointing a dedicated focal point within the UN to oversee the implementation of Resolution 2417 and advocate for affected populations.

The Tigray genocidal war serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of starvation as a weapon of war. Implementing these recommendations is crucial to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to uphold international humanitarian standards.

Source: 

https://www.stimson.org/2025/preventing-starvation-crimes-lessons-learned-from-tigray/