Statement at the 54th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Interactive Debate on the report of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia
Delivered by Róisín Dunbar, CIVICUS
Thank you, Mr President,
CIVICUS and its partners in Ethiopia welcome the work of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, particularly reports and statements highlighting the state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country.
Despite signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement between the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan authorities in November 2022 we are deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the north-west region of Ethiopia, particularly in Amhara. At least 183 people have been killed in clashes since July 2023.
The recent declaration of a state of emergency gives the Ethiopian government unlimited powers, including to conduct house searches and arrests without judicial procedures. The authorities have also, shut down the media, and the internet which makes it harder to monitor the situation in the Amhara region. Under the state of emergency, approximately 1,000 people, on suspicion of being Fano militia supporters, have been illegally arrested across Ethiopia since early August 2023, including three Ethiopian journalists - Fekadu Mahtemework, editor-in-chief Ghion magazine; Abay Zewdu, director of Amhara Media Centre YouTube channel; and Yidnekachew Kebede, the founder of the online Negari TV channel have been arrested and detained in connection with reporting on the situation in the Amhara region. Detainees have reportedly been placed in improvised detention centres that lack basic amenities.
These arrests come after Ethiopian security forces arrested eight journalists between March and April 2023 over their coverage related to Amhara and human rights situation. These include Amhara Media Center chief editor Abay Zewdu; Arat Kilo Media editor Dawit Begashaw; Ethio Selam editor Tewodros Asfaw; Yegna Media reporter Genet Asmamaw; Negere Wolkait Media editor Assefa Adane; and Ethio Nikat Media founder and editor Meskerem Abera.
Amid continued human rights violations and abuses, the situation in Oromia region is also of concern.
We call on the Ethiopian government to respect the right to freedom of expression and to cease all forms of intimidation and harassment of journalists and other media actors.
The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia is a vital mechanism to ensure independent monitoring and reporting of the human rights situation in Ethiopia. We urge this Council to demonstrate its commitment to justice for victims of human rights violations and abuses and renew the mechanism’s mandate at this session.
We thank you.
Civic space in Ethiopia is rated as "Repressed" by the CIVICUS Monitor.
