In its 3rd Annual Human Rights Situation Report, covering the period from June 2023 to June 2024, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said armed conflicts remain a significant cause of human rights violations across the country, resulting in civilian casualties and displacement.
The report noted that internally displaced persons, particularly vulnerable groups, continue to face challenges in accessing basic necessities and services.
According to the report, a key development during the reporting period was the resolution of the two-year war in Northern Ethiopia through a peace agreement between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). While hostilities have ceased, the report notes that the region continues to grapple with the long-term effects of the war. Civilians face ongoing challenges in accessing basic services, healthcare, and education.
In Oromia, EHRC’s report noted ongoing tensions and conflicts have led to civilian casualties and displacement. The EHRC recorded incidents in several zones, including North, South, West, Southwest, and East Shewa. The report also highlights an increase in kidnappings for ransom affecting in Oromia.
The implementation of the State of Emergency which remained in effect for ten months, had significant impacts on human rights, EHRC’s report stated, highlighting widespread issues with arbitrary detentions.
In Addis Abeba, detainees were held in non-standard facilities, including schools, under poor conditions. The Awash Arba detention center, known for its extreme heat and remote location, faced criticism for limited access to family visits and medical care.
Restrictions on movement have affected all focus regions. Road blockades and security checkpoints have disrupted transportation, impacting economic activities and access to services.
The EHRC projects that by the next fiscal year, up to 10.8 million people could face critical food insecurity across the affected regions.
Healthcare services have been significantly impacted, with restricted mobility, damaged infrastructure, and migration of healthcare professionals leading to declines in service quality and availability. The report pays special attention to the rights of women and children in conflict-affected areas.
The EHRC’s report concludes with a series of recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges. These include calls for the immediate release of individuals held in arbitrary detention, reform of laws and policies that adversely affect human rights, and improvements in the treatment of individuals in custody.
The commission emphasizes the need for peaceful dialogue and inclusive transitional justice processes to address the recurring cycles of conflict and widespread human rights violations across all focus regions.
No comments:
Post a Comment