Original Source: www.frontlinedefenders.org
Between November 14 and 22, 2024, the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) abruptly suspended the operations of three notable Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), claiming their activities contradicted public interests and state goals. This action occurred without warning, exemplifying the tightening grip on civil society in Ethiopia.
The Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) focuses on strengthening the hands of lawyers engaged in human rights advocacy by providing them with essential knowledge and tools. Their mission is clear: empower legal professionals to champion human rights, protect vulnerable populations, and address violations through targeted legal strategies.
Similarly, the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) strives to bolster civil participation in both physical and digital arenas, nurturing a climate for human rights and democratic practices in Ethiopia. The organization has been pivotal in promoting non-violence and facilitating meaningful community involvement in democratic processes since 2019.
The Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) dedicates itself to scrutinizing human rights situations through comprehensive research and advocacy efforts. It fills crucial gaps left by others in the field, particularly when organizations face legal and security hurdles, ensuring that critical human rights issues receive the attention they deserve.
The ACSO’s suspensions unfolded in a troubling pattern: initially notifying CARD by phone on November 14, then a week later, sending suspension letters to both AHRE and LHR, citing similar accusations of jeopardizing public interests. Such swift measures emphasize the precarious position of CSOs in the country, under constant threat from state apparatus.
The year 2024 has seen mounting reports of harassment against human rights organizations by Ethiopian security forces. Prominent groups, including the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), have faced intimidation, with staff followed and pressured to halt their advocacy efforts. Alarmingly, no new human rights organizations have been registered since August 2023, further stifling civil society growth.
Front Line Defenders has vocally condemned these suspensions, highlighting the intensified oppression faced by organizations fighting for human rights in Ethiopia. This crackdown pushes many CSOs to the brink of closure, endangering the ability of defenders to operate without fear of reprisal.
In light of these developments, Front Line Defenders calls on Ethiopian authorities to reverse ACSO’s suspensions and cease targeting civil society organizations. They demand respect for the rights of human rights defenders to operate freely and safely, without facing harassment or threats.
The context surrounding the arbitrary suspension of civil society organizations in Ethiopia reveals a troubling crackdown on human rights advocacy. The actions of the ACSO symbolize a broader trend of increasing intimidation against CSOs, threatening their very existence. This situation resonates with the international community’s concerns about safeguarding civil liberties and democratic principles within the nation.
In conclusion, the swift suspension of three significant civil society organizations in Ethiopia underscores the increasing threat to human rights activism in the country. Despite their crucial roles in promoting and protecting human rights, these organizations now find themselves under siege. The need for international attention and intervention remains critical to ensure these voices are not silenced permanently.
