Human rights in Ethiopia

Human rights are freedoms established by custom or international agreement that impose standards of conduct on all nations. Human rights are distinct from civil liberties, which are freedoms established by the law of a particular state and applied by that state in its own jurisdiction.

Specific human rights include the right to personal liberty and due process of law; to freedom of thought, expression, religion, organization, and movement; to freedom from discrimination on the basis of race, religion, age, language, and sex; to basic education; to employment; and to property. Human rights laws have been defined by international conventions, by treaties, and by organizations, particularly the United Nations. These laws prohibit practices such as torture, slavery, summary execution without trial, and arbitrary detention or exile. more >>

Rights activist calls for pressure on Ethiopia

21 July, 2011

The Japan Times - Yosef Mulugeta, an Ethiopian lawyer and former secretary general of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHCRO), is asking for the support of the international community in his struggle to bring about peaceful change in Ethiopia.

Daniel Bekele, Ethiopia - Recipient of the 2009 Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism

01 October, 2009

In the ever-shrinking space for freedom of expression and association in Ethiopia, Daniel Bekele has faced heavy-handed government repression as a prominent anti-poverty activist and human rights lawyer. Daniel has dedicated his life to building a vibrant civil society and strengthening human rights in a country where freedom of expression and other fundamental rights are severely constricted.

NGOs fear for human rights defenders in Ethiopia

25 September, 2008

Ethiopia recently launched a project of legislation, known as the Draft Proclamation on Charities and Societies, which could dramatically limit human rights activities in the country if signed into law later this year.

Ethiopia logs in human rights reporting

06 October, 2007

Human rights agencies and government institutions are holding a two-day discussion to prepare a framework that enables Ethiopia to prepare periodical reporting on human rights.

Ethiopian MP calls for intl probe on human rights situation in Oromia

16 April 2007

To: European Union, UNO, USA Congress, Human Rights Watches, Amnesty International, ICRC, and UNHCR.

Dear Sirs:

I am writing you behalf of the Oromo Parliamentary Group. The Oromo Parliamentary Group (OPG) is made up of Oromo members of Ethiopia federal parliament and the parliament of the regional sate of Oromia and as representative of Oromo people and Ethiopian people as whole.

Ethiopian Human Rights Chief Commissioner appeals to OHCHR to help in rescuing hostages

06 April 2007

Addis Ababa (WIC)– The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission appealed today to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to do its level best in rescuing the abducted Ethiopians in Afar State.