Ethiopian Human Rights Commission urged to fulfil responsibilities

Addis Ababa, January 23, 2020 (FBC) –The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) today presented its six-month performance report to the House of Peoples Representatives (HPR).

In his report, Dr Daniel Bekele, Commissioner of EHRC, briefed the MPs on the reforms underway within the institution that was established 15 years ago.

“The 15-year old commission is not discharging its responsibilities properly because of political and related reasons of the past,” the Commissioner said.

“In order to address these problems, the Commission is undertaking institutional reform,” he said.

The Commission has conducted an assessment to find out gaps in the existing legal frameworks and make amendment to them, he stated.

The Commissioner further indicated that works are underway to amend the Ethiopian human rights establishment law which was approved in 1920.

The Commission also blamed the recent gross violations of human rights in the country on proponents of extreme political views.

“Most of the violations are caused by extreme views of political actors,” ENA quoted the Commissioner as saying. Abuses by government security forces have now declined and improvements are witnessed in this regard.

However, he said political elites have been fanning divisive political discourses which have resulted tremendous human rights abuses in different parts of the country.

Because of these extreme political views based on identity and religion, conflicts that cost lives of many innocent civilians have arisen, Daniel noted.

Members of the House urged the Commission, in partnership with other related institutions, to fulfil its responsibilities.

The House also approved the draft law on prevention and suppression of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.