GENEVA - Ethiopian security forces opened fire on protesters who were singing anti-government songs, UN human rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said on Tuesday.

Authorities said on Monday that at least seven people died in clashes between security forces and worshippers taking part in a religious ceremony marking Epiphany in Amhara region in northern Ethiopia at the weekend, but they had yet to determine the cause of the violence.

Shamdasani told a UN briefing in Geneva that the UN human rights office was extremely concerned by the deaths.

"The incident, in Woldiya City in Amhara Regional State on 20 January, reportedly took place when the security forces tried to stop people from chanting anti-government songs and allegedly opened fire on them. Protesters reportedly later blocked roads and destroyed a number of properties."

Ethiopian government spokesman Negeri Lencho, reacting to Shamdasani's statement, told journalists on Tuesday that demands by the public should be "raised peacefully." Security forces should exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to death and injury, he said.