EU delegation to UNHRC commends Ethiopia’s commitment to the Pretoria Peace Agreement

Addis Ababa, March 23, 2023 (FBC) – The Delegation of the European Union to the United Nation Human Right Council (UNHRC) in Geneva and the U.S ambassador to UN human right council have welcomed the Government of Ethiopia in its launch of the public consultations on transitional justice policy options and implementation of a transitional justice framework that meets international standards. 

According to a statement from the two missions, on the 52nd session of Interactive Dialogue with the International Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia the two sides commended the steps taken to date to implement the Pretotoria Peace Agreement.

“We call for further progress on the implementation, continued and unimpeded humanitarian access and the further expansion of basic services in conflict-related areas in northern Ethiopia”, EU delegation has stated.

The EU furthermore welcomed the announcement by the Ethiopian Minister of Justice during the High Level Segment that OHCHR to deploy human rights monitors to the conflict-affected areas in northern Ethiopia, and the commitment expressed by Ethiopia to implement a comprehensive national transitional justice policy, the delegation added. 

“We welcome the publication of a green paper, the recent launch of the public consultations on transitional justice policy options and the fact that the Government of Ethiopia has requested assistance from OHCHR in the design and implementation of a transitional justice framework that meets international standards, it has stated. 

“We welcome the tremendous progress since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement by the Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF, including improved humanitarian access, delivery of essential services, and respect for human rights, ” U.S Ambassador to UNHRC Michèle Taylor has said. 

He added that the U.S appreciates the Government of Ethiopia’s invitations to OHCHR and to EHRC to deploy international human rights monitors to conflict-affected areas, and its invitation to international experts to advise in the development of a comprehensive transitional justice policy.

“We applaud the Government’s commitment to conduct broad public consultations to ensure its transitional justice policy reflects international best practices and the views of the Ethiopian people, and is fully genuine, inclusive, credible, and comprehensive, Michèle Taylor added.