Upper House enacts National Youth Citizenship Service bill

Addis Ababa, October 10, 2023 (FBC) – The FDRE House of Federation (HoF) today approved the National Youth Citizenship Service bill referred by the House of Peaoples’ Representatives to be enacted as a law.

The House of Federation held its first regular meeting in the 3rd year of the 6th parliamentary term.

During today’s session, the Upper House approved the 2016 E.C (2023/24) fiscal year plan and various resolutions of five standing committees.

After approving the fiscal year’s plans, HoF has enacted “National Youth Citizenship Service” bill proposed by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs as a law.

The Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD), in her remarks, said, considering the pivotal role of the youth to the development of Ethiopia, efforts are being made to respond to their interests and increase their benefits.

The Minister stressed that preparing a legal framework which enables young people between the ages of 18 and 35 provide national service based on their wishes was found to be very important.

Mr. Endeshaw Tasew, Member of the Parliament and the current chief administrator of the newly formed Central Ethiopia region, mentioned that the enacted bill is an act that can answer the long-overdue appeals and demands of the youth.

Whereas, Mr. Ashadli Hassan, Member of the Parliament and the current chief administrator of Benishangul-Gumuz region, and Mr. Awol Jemato (MP) said that upon its implementation, the bill will be of great national importance.

Getahun Abdisa, Deputy Chairman of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Relations, Democratic Unity and Constitutional Doctrine at HoF, said that the youth will play their instrumental role by providing community-wide services across the country.