Original Source: www.omct.org
In a grave move against civic engagement, the Ethiopian government has arbitrarily suspended three crucial human rights organizations: the Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), silencing vital voices in the fight for human rights and democracy. This suspension, announced by the ACSO, marks a dangerous escalation in the government’s efforts to curb the operations of civil society groups that protect citizens’ rights.
In letters issued on November 21, 2024, the ACSO claimed that these organizations lacked political neutrality and posed threats to national interests. However, these accusations lack any substantial basis and appear politically motivated, echoing remarks made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in July that derided the work of human rights defenders. Their unjustified suspension undermines years of progress in building a democratic society and protecting freedoms in Ethiopia.
This alarming action reflects a hostile environment where human rights activists face increasing risks, as evidenced by the plight of former leaders from these organizations who have been forced into exile due to harassment and intimidation. Moreover, the environment of fear created by this crackdown puts additional pressure on other civil society entities, jeopardizing their efforts to promote accountability, transparency, and the rights of marginalized groups.
The suspension of CARD, AHRE, and LHR represents a step back from the encouraging advancements made since the introduction of Proclamation No. 1113/2019, which aimed to expand civic freedoms. With this retraction, the hard-won rights of civil society organizations to operate independently are under grave threat, restricting the landscape in which they seek to function and advocate for human rights.
The international community, including the United Nations Committee against Torture, has recognized the importance of safeguarding human rights defenders and ensuring a safe space for their advocacy. It is crucial that the global community works alongside Ethiopia’s civil society organizations, urging the government to lift these suspensions and eliminate the intimidation tactics aimed at human rights leaders.
In conclusion, the arbitrary suspension of these organizations highlights a crucial juncture for civil society in Ethiopia. By using intimidation and repression, the government threatens to rollback the advancements achieved in human rights protections. To rekindle hope and progress, a collective call for action is needed to restore a nurturing environment for civil engagement in Ethiopia.
The backdrop of Ethiopia’s recent clampdown on civil society organizations is steeped in political turmoil and a government increasingly hostile to dissent. Despite earlier reforms introduced in 2019 aimed at enhancing democratic freedoms, the recent actions against key human rights entities signal a troubling shift favoring repression over engagement. The ongoing fear among human rights defenders, many of whom have gone into exile, underscores the urgent need for a supportive international response to safeguard civic freedoms.
The arbitrary suspension of CARD, AHRE, and LHR underlines a critical erosion of civil liberties in Ethiopia, reminiscent of darker times of repression. This alarming development not only threatens the work of these specific organizations but also casts a long shadow over civil society as a whole. A united call to action is essential to compel the Ethiopian government to honor its commitments to human rights and restore the vital role of civil society organizations.
