Over 100 girls raped by their fathers in Ethiopia “due to the lockdown”

Over 100 girls have been raped in Ethiopia by their fathers during the lockdown, authorities said.

Ethiopia authorities said in the country’s capital, Addis Ababa, over 100 girls raped and treated since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic as schools closed and people are advised to stay at home to reduce the spread of the virus.

Data from hospitals suggest more than 100 children have been raped – including some by family members.

Almaz Abraham, the head of Addis Ababa women and children affairs office reacting to the report, said sexual violence was on the rise as schools had been closed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

An official from the city’s children and women’s affairs office said that victims were being treated in three facilities across the city.