In a striking move, the Ethiopian government has suspended two prominent civil society organizations: the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC). This action marks a troubling increase in constraints against civil society, bringing the total number of suspended organizations to five since November 2024. The announcement came on December 26, following a notice from the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) that cited accusations of irresponsibility and partisanship against these organizations.
The EHRDC has been actively documenting human rights abuses amid ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, while EHRCO, a pioneering organization since the fall of the Derg regime, has operated with a license for over 33 years. In its recent statement, EHRCO rebuffed allegations of financial irregularities during 2023. They asserted, “EHRCO has upheld impartiality, responsibility, and has been working to ensure human rights, democracy, and rule of law.”
Both organizations expressed a desire to resolve the issues leading to their suspension. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has voiced concerns over the diminishing space for civic engagement, describing the suspensions as “troubling.” Previously, ACSO had revoked the licenses of three significant organizations, further deepening the fears among civil society groups regarding their operational safety and legitimacy.
Previously in July 2024, ACSO had shut down over 1,500 organizations for noncompliance with reporting requirements, drawing sharp criticism for fostering an environment of fear. Despite this, the heads of the Authority downplay these suspensions as isolated, suggesting that they do not reflect a broader trend. “It would be illogical to claim civic space is deteriorating based on these incidents,” said ACSO Deputy Director Fasikaw Molla, challenging claims from international observers.
The Ethiopian government has suspended two key civil society organizations, EHRCO and EHRDC, amid claims of irresponsibility and political bias. This brings the total number of suspended organizations to five since November, raising alarms over civic space. Critics express concern about the government’s long-term plans to restrict civil liberties and the environment of fear among civil society actors.
The suspension of EHRCO and EHRDC, along with previous actions against other organizations, illustrates a worrying trend of government pushback against civil society in Ethiopia. While the authorities maintain that these incidents are isolated, both local and international observers express concern over the implications for human rights and democratic freedoms within the country.
The Ethiopian government has intensified its crackdown on civil society organizations, suspending prominent bodies involved in human rights advocacy. This move underscores the increasing tension between the state and civil society, particularly amid ongoing unrest and claims of human rights violations. As organizations struggle to maintain operations, there is growing concern over a shrinking space for civic engagement in the country.
Original Source: www.thereporterethiopia.com
