As opposition parties in Tigray warn of a “humanitarian disaster”, Bishop Paul Swarbrick has called on the UK government to increase its support for the people of the Ethiopian region.

In a letter to James Duddridge, the UK’s minister for Africa, the CBCEW’s lead bishop for Africa urged the government take action.

“With no peace in sight”, Swarbrick called on Duddridge to protect the most vulnerable in Tigray from the atrocities being committed.

“We are particularly concerned by the reports of widespread sexual violence and there is an urgent need to ensure protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and girls,” he wrote.