Promoting human rights in Ethiopia

Context

Ethiopia has introduced a number of policy reforms since 2018 that indicate a positive development in the protection of human rights. However, existing ethno-national and regional tensions have fuelled violent conflicts that threaten human rights compliance. Numerous human rights violations occurred in the conflict in the northern Tigray region from 2020 to 2022, in particular.

In April 2024, Ethiopia therefore adopted a transitional justice policy, which pursues the most serious crimes and includes a truth commission.

Another major challenge is the gender gap. There are inequalities in wages, education and access to finance and land ownership. Violence against women and children, especially sexual and gender-based violence in conflict situations, remains persistently high, and victims and witnesses need protecting. Female genital mutilation and child marriage are officially prohibited, but continue to be practised.

Objective

The institutional effectiveness and independence of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission have improved.

Approach

Via basket financing, the project contributes to improving the autonomy, professionalism and effectiveness of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. This fund, to which other international donors also contribute, provides the Commission with the necessary financial support to fulfil its mandate of promoting and protecting human rights in cooperation with state and non-state actors and regional and international institutions.

To improve its performance and infrastructure in the area of information and communication technology (ICT), the Commission is also being provided with an integrated expert as the team leader for information technology (IT).

Last update: April 2025