The Tigray genocide has been marked by numerous atrocities, among the most grievous of which is the weaponized rape inflicted upon women and girls. This form of violence has emerged as a deliberate strategy of terror and control, deeply affecting individuals and communities across the region. This extensive analysis draws from the testimonies and data provided by Yirgalem from the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) unit of the Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide, shedding light on the scale, perpetrators, impacts, and responses to these heinous acts.
Scale and Nature of Weaponized Rape
Weaponized rape in Tigray represents one of the most widespread and systematic forms of sexual violence seen in recent wars. According to Yirgalem, “The weaponized rape inflicted on Tigray women and girls has been on a massive scale, occurring in every district under the control of the enemy soldiers.” The gravity of this violence is underscored by alarming statistics: “Rape accounts for 52.9% of all violence reported, with more than 80% of these cases involving multiple perpetrators,gang rape situations.”
The brutality extends beyond the act of rape itself. Pregnant and lactating women have endured gang rapes, with women and girls being held as sexual slaves for months. On average, a survivor is raped by four perpetrators, though some have reported up to 50 attackers involved in a single incident. Additionally, the insertion of foreign objects, including sharp items, and the application of chemicals or hot water to the vagina have been commonly reported. Yirgalem details some of the objects used: “Items such as razor blades, military knives, pieces of metal, sand, sticks, rough stones, and even used tissue paper have been inserted into the vagina and anus of victims. This practice not only causes severe physical pain but also has profound psychological impacts.”
The prevalence of such brutal practices illustrates a calculated strategy aimed at terrorizing the population and disrupting societal cohesion.
Identifying the Perpetrators
The perpetrators of weaponized rape in Tigray come from a variety of armed groups and militias, reflecting the widespread and organized nature of the violence. Yirgalem identifies the main actors involved: “The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Eritrean Defense Force (EDF), Amhara Special Forces, Afar Special Forces, and informal Fano groups are responsible for these atrocities.” The involvement of these diverse groups suggests a coordinated effort to utilize sexual violence as a means of control and intimidation.
As mentioned above, the scale of violence is further highlighted by the number of perpetrators involved in each instance of rape. “On average, a survivor is subjected to rape by four perpetrators. However, there have been instances where up to 50 individuals were directly involved in a single act of sexual violence,” Yirgalem reports. The involvement of such large numbers of perpetrators underscores the systematic and organized nature of these crimes.
Immediate and Long-Term Effects on Victims
The immediate and long-term effects of weaponized rape on survivors are profound and devastating. Yirgalem describes the immediate physical injuries: “Survivors often experience severe bleeding, urine incontinence, burning sensations while urinating, and serious injuries such as uterine prolapse and fistulas. Additional issues include pelvic and rectal pain, back pain, menstrual disorders, miscarriage, and unwanted pregnancies.”
The long-term consequences are equally severe, with many survivors facing physical disabilities, infertility, and complications from unsafe abortions. The risk of sexually transmitted infections is also significant. Yirgalem explains, “Beyond physical injuries, survivors experience severe psychological impacts, including high levels of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts. Many suffer from mood disturbances, suicidal ideation, and persistent nightmares, severely affecting their overall well-being.”
The trauma inflicted by weaponized rape creates a cycle of suffering that extends well beyond the immediate violence, affecting survivors’ physical health, mental health, and social stability.
Impact on the Tigrayan Community
The repercussions of weaponized rape extend beyond individual survivors to the broader Tigrayan community. Yirgalem outlines the widespread economic and social impacts: “The violence has had severe economic consequences, with many survivors unable to work due to physical and mental health issues. This has led to economic dependency and increased vulnerability.”
The violence has also disrupted social structures and community cohesion. Survivors have been forced to relocate due to fear of stigma and discrimination, further destabilizing communities. “Women from all economic backgrounds have been targeted, and the broader impact on the community has been severe. The economic burden of supporting survivors and the social costs of dealing with the trauma have placed a substantial strain on Tigrayan society,” Yirgalem observes.
The societal impact of weaponized rape underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support and intervention to address the far-reaching consequences of this violence.
Documentation and Verification of Weaponized Rape
Accurate documentation and verification of weaponized rape are essential for addressing the atrocities and seeking justice. The Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide employs a rigorous approach to data collection. Yirgalem explains, “We have conducted a house-to-house census, gathering data from over 480,000 women and girls across the region, excluding Western Tigray due to access issues.” Western Tigray is currently unconstitutionally and forcefully occupied by Amhara Forces.
The Commission adheres to strict confidentiality principles and involves medical and legal experts in data collection. “Our qualitative data collection includes in-depth interviews conducted by trained professionals, ensuring adherence to guidelines that protect survivors’ privacy and dignity,” Yirgalem adds. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including underreporting due to survivors’ reluctance to come forward and difficulties in collecting in-depth qualitative data.
The challenges in documenting weaponized rape highlight the need for continued efforts to support survivors and ensure comprehensive data collection.
Assistance and Support for Survivors
While the Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide focuses on documenting and analyzing cases of weaponized rape, direct assistance to survivors is not within its mandate. Yirgalem notes, “Our role is to document and analyze testimonies to support justice and accountability efforts.” The demand for justice among survivors is high, with over 80% expressing a desire for accountability. However, the lack of direct economic or medical assistance underscores a critical gap in support for survivors.
Many survivors face significant health and economic challenges without adequate support. Addressing these gaps is essential for ensuring that survivors receive the care and assistance they need.
Legal and International Responses
The legal framework for addressing weaponized rape involves documentation and analysis rather than immediate judicial action. Yirgalem explains, “Our office’s mandate is to collect, document, and produce a comprehensive report on the crimes committed.” This documentation is crucial for supporting legal actions and ensuring accountability of the perpetrators. Such acts, carried out with the clear intention of causing serious bodily and mental harm, fulfill the criteria for genocide as defined under Article 6(b) of the Rome Statute and Article 2(b) of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The insertion of foreign objects into the genitalia indicates an intent to destroy the womb. Perpetrators often explicitly state their aim to prevent Tigraian women from bearing children.
Internationally, the response to the reports of weaponized rape has been mixed. Organizations such as the New Lines Institute and United Nations International Commission of Human Rights Experts in Ethiopia have(UNICHREE) identified the scale of sexual violence in Tigray. “Our report is still pending publication, and we hope it will contribute to a fuller understanding of the crisis and support efforts for justice,” Yirgalem adds. The international community’s response will be vital in determining the future course of justice and accountability for the victims.
Survivor Stories: A Haunting Reality
One survivor’s story vividly illustrates the extreme brutality of weaponized rape. Yirgalem recounts the harrowing experience of Hewan (a pseudonym), a Tigrayan woman subjected to unimaginable violence: “On January 15, 2021, Hewan was at home with her family when two Eritrean and two Ethiopian soldiers invaded her home. They forced her husband and two kids to watch as Hewan was raped by her brother under the soldiers’ direction. The assault lasted for three hours, during which the soldiers gave instructions on how to inflict maximum pain.”
The violence continued for nine days at a military camp, with Hewan enduring repeated rapes by multiple perpetrators. The soldiers’ statements during the assault included threats to destroy “Tigrian wombs” and infect “Tigrian blood with HIV.” Hewan’s physical injuries were severe, including a torn and swollen vagina merged with her anus. She was later diagnosed with HIV and suffers from severe mental health issues, including persistent nightmares and flashbacks.
Hewan’s story underscores the extreme brutality and inhumanity of weaponized rape, highlighting the urgent need for justice and support for survivors.
Collaboration with Other Organizations
The Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide is committed to collaborating with other organizations to address weaponized rape. Yirgalem explains, “We are developing data-sharing agreements with relevant entities to ensure that our data is utilized effectively and in accordance with established guidelines.” This collaboration is crucial for a comprehensive response to the crisis and for supporting survivors in their pursuit of justice.
Conclusion
The weaponized rape inflicted during the Tigray genocide represents one of the most egregious violations of human rights in recent history. The extensive documentation, analysis, and survivor testimonies provided by the Commission of Inquiry on Tigray Genocide reveal the scale and brutality of these crimes. The international community’s response and the ongoing legal actions will play a critical role in ensuring accountability and providing support for survivors. Addressing the gaps in support and working collaboratively to address the crisis are essential steps in the fight for justice and healing for the Tigrayan people.
