EHRC welcomes launch of public consultations on transitional justice policy options in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa March 7, 2023 (FBC) – Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has welcomed the launch of public consultations on transitional justice policy options in Ethiopia.

In a press release sent to FBC, EHRC said that the transitional justice is essential to address the root causes of systemic human rights violations, to heal wounds of past abuses, and to consolidate a viable path towards sustainable peace and reconciliation

Chief Commissioner, Daniel Bekele, said that “transitional justice is essential to address the root causes of systemic human rights violations, to heal wounds of past abuses, and to consolidate a viable path towards sustainable peace and reconciliation.”

EHRC welcomes the launch of nationwide public consultations on transitional justice policy options in Ethiopia, which marks an essential step in the implementation of Article 10 (3) of the Agreement for Lasting Peace and Cessation of Hostilities signed by the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front on November 02, 2022 regarding a comprehensive national transitional justice policy aimed at accountability, ascertaining the truth, redress for victims, reconciliation, and healing, the chief commissioner added.

EHRC is further encouraged by other positive measures being taken by the Government, including the establishment of a Working Group of Independent Experts on Transitional Justice to advise and coordinate the transitional justice process, the preparation of a green paper with transitional justice policy options for public feedback, and the roadmap which lays down the standards and principles to be followed in the public consultations, Daniel stated.

“EHRC will continue to work in partnership with the government and all stakeholders to ensure that applicable principles such as inclusiveness, meaningful participation, gender sensitivity, victim-centeredness, transparency, and national ownership are integrated into the consultation process, and the design and implementation of transitional justice policy.” Daniel further indicated.

The Commission will also continue to provide advisory and technical support to advance a genuine transitional justice process in Ethiopia, Daniel added.

By: Yonathan Yoseph