Amnesty International
In response to the Ethiopian government’s decision to suspend three notable human rights organizations—namely the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR)—Tigere Chagutah, the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa at Amnesty International, expressed strong disapproval.
Amnesty International firmly denounces the suspensions of AHRE, CARD, and LHR, which are predicated on ambiguous and unfounded claims regarding their supposed lack of political neutrality and alleged actions against national interests. Such accusations have historically been employed by Ethiopian authorities as mechanisms to stifle civil society organizations. The federal government is urged to promptly revoke these suspensions, as they infringe upon the fundamental rights to association and freedom of expression, rights that should be upheld without exception.
The continuation of these suspensions not only undermines the work of these organizations but also poses a significant threat to the broader landscape of human rights in Ethiopia. It is imperative that the government recognizes the essential role that civil society plays in promoting accountability and transparency. Upholding the rights of these organizations is crucial for fostering a democratic environment where diverse voices can contribute to national discourse.
Amnesty International condemns the suspension of AHRE, CARD and LHR based on vague and unsubstantiated allegations of ‘lack of political neutrality’ and ‘engaging against the national interest’. Such allegations have long been used by the Ethiopian authorities as tools to suppress civil society organizations.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa
In light of increasing reports regarding heightened conflict, widespread arbitrary detentions, and forced evictions, the significance of civil society and media in Ethiopia has reached unprecedented levels. The recent suspension of three major human rights organizations underscores a concerning trend of repression against civic engagement, further exacerbated by the absence of accountability for the recent assaults on human rights advocates.
The UN Human Rights Council must urgently revisit its approach on Ethiopia and take steps towards establishing a mechanism to investigate, document and preserve evidence of human rights violations committed in the Amhara, Oromia and Tigray armed conflicts
Tigere Chagutah
“The international community must act decisively. Ethiopia’s development partners should abandon their ‘policy of no policy’ stance following the expiration of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia’s mandate and prioritize human rights in their engagement with the government. The UN Human Rights Council must urgently revisit its approach on Ethiopia and take steps towards establishing a mechanism to investigate, document and preserve evidence of human rights violations committed in the Amhara, Oromia and Tigray armed conflicts.”
Background
On 14 November 2024, the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) suspended CARD, citing alleged political bias and activities contrary to national interests. The use of these vaguely worded restrictions to curtail freedom of association is contrary to Ethiopia’s regional and international human rights law obligations. CARD denies the accusations, highlighting procedural irregularities and affirming its commitment to impartiality and human rights. On 21 November 2024, ACSO issued similar suspension notices to Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE). Both organizations reject the claims and are pursuing legal remedies to resume their operations.
