By Dr. Yonas Workineh
The recent actions by the Ethiopian government to suspend key human rights organizations are a grave concern and represent a significant blow to civil society in the country.
Organizations such as the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC), the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) have played critical roles in promoting democracy, ensuring accountability, and protecting vulnerable groups.
The suspension of these organizations not only violates international norms but also undermines Ethiopia’s commitment to human rights and the rule of law.
Human rights organizations are essential for documenting violations, advocating for justice, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
They contribute to a more equitable society by monitoring government actions, promoting transparency, and holding authorities accountable.
By banning these organizations, the Ethiopian government is dismantling vital structures that ensure the protection of basic rights and freedoms.
In mid-November 2024, three prominent non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)—were suspended.
Recently, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) also faced similar actions.
The East African Daily spoke with a member of the EHRDC who confirmed that all activities of the organization have been suspended by the government.
In a statement to the BBC on Thursday, December 17, 2024, the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center reported receiving a letter on December 16, 2024, informing them of their suspension.
The statement noted that the letter had been dated earlier in the week, on December 14, 2024.
The authorities justified the suspensions by accusing the organizations of “operating outside their established purposes, lacking independence, and failing to maintain clear organizational structures”. The regulatory authority’s letter also claimed the organizations had “acted irresponsibly,” without providing detailed evidence for these accusations.
The EHRDC, however, denied these allegations, stating: n”Since its inception, our organization has not been directly or indirectly involved in any improper or illegal activity outside of its established purpose. We have carried out our work with complete impartiality and transparency through a board-led structure.”
The EHRDC emphasized its adherence to lawful practices and questioned the legitimacy of the government’s decision. The center reported that it had submitted a letter requesting an adequate explanation and was awaiting a response.
For over 33 years, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Ethiopia.
The suspension of these organizations jeopardizes this legacy and the critical work they have accomplished.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent remarks in parliament further exacerbated concerns among human rights defenders.
Referring to these organizations, he stated: “The functioning of the so-called Human Rights Declaration institutions must be examined. Human rights is a beautiful language. But this language is being diverted from its original meaning and is becoming a political tool.”
These statements shocked many in the human rights community, raising fears about the future of civic space in Ethiopia.
In response, human rights organizations are urging the international community to intervene.
They have called for increased pressure on the Ethiopian government to reevaluate its decision, provide a transparent justification for the suspensions, and allow the organizations to resume their critical activities.
The role of civil society in defending human rights cannot be overstated.
These organizations are indispensable for fostering a just society, holding authorities accountable, and advocating for those whose voices are often silenced.
The international community must act urgently to ensure that Ethiopia honors its obligations and respects the fundamental rights of its people.