Original Source: www.amnesty.org
The Ethiopian government’s recent suspension of three major human rights organizations—Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)—signals a worrying trend toward restricting civic freedoms. Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, has criticized these suspensions as baseless, asserting that vague claims of ‘political neutrality’ are merely tools to suppress dissent and civil society.
Chagutah emphasized the growing importance of civil society amidst escalating tensions and human rights abuses in Ethiopia. He condemned the actions of the federal government as violations of the rights to association and freedom of expression, urging an immediate reversal of these suspensions. With conflicts raging in regions like Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray, the need for a vigilant civil society is greater than ever.
The UN Human Rights Council is called to revisit its strategies regarding Ethiopia and work towards establishing mechanisms to probe and document human rights violations. The international community, including Ethiopia’s development partners, must prioritize human rights in their dealings with the government. Actions like the suspension of these organizations must alarm the global community into taking decisive action.
On November 14, 2024, the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) suspended CARD for purported political bias, a claim the organization vehemently denies. Following this, LHR and AHRE faced similar suspensions, all under dubious allegations that lack accountability. These organizations are now seeking legal avenues to restore their operations, highlighting the urgent need to protect civic space in Ethiopia.
Since November 2024, the Ethiopian government has targeted human rights organizations, including CARD, AHRE, and LHR, under accusations of political bias and undermining national interests. These actions represent a breach of international human rights obligations, as the government uses vague language to restrict civic freedoms. Amidst escalating conflicts, the diminishing role of civil society poses significant risks for human rights advocacy in the region.
The suspension of key human rights organizations in Ethiopia underlines a troubling crackdown on civil society. The international community, particularly the UN Human Rights Council, is urged to take a firmer stance in supporting human rights. It is clear that without intervention, the landscape for civil rights in Ethiopia could become increasingly perilous, emphasizing the need for immediate action and accountability.
