Human Rights Commission (HRCO) urged the new administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) prioritize the amendment of repressive legislations that caused many journalists, activists and political figures to either be detained or flee from their country.
These legislations include the Charities and Societies proclamation, the Anti- Terrorism Proclamation and the Press Proclamation.
The commission revealed its stance in a press conference held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at its headquarter located around national stadium in the presence of both local and international media institutions.
In its statement, the commission appreciated the current political developments following the coming to power of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). The commission, however, urged that the new administration should not lose sight of the most pressing concerns of Ethiopians and encouraged everyone to make contributions to the realization of human rights across the country.
Apart from urging for an amendment, the commission also proposed the restructuring of the justice system in a way that protects the democratic and human rights of the citizens.
The commission also requested the government to provide a swift and long-lasting solution to the legal, political and economic questions raised in the different parts of the country.
Furthermore, it also demanded for the establishment of an independent inquiry body to examine the violation of human rights during the two State of Emergencies (SoE) the country went through in the past two years following the political unrest which resulted in the detention of many citizens.
Moreover, the commission maintained that due to the widespread oppression of civil society organizations, these important democratic institutions were unable to play role as advocates of rights and freedoms in Ethiopia. However, due to the prospects created in the country in recent times, HRCO urged the societies to play their role to realize democratic and human rights like never before.
Human Rights Council (HRCO) Ethiopia was formed in 1991. It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that works towards building a democratic system, promote rule of law, due process, and encourages and conduct human rights monitoring.
