Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia

Here you can find full document in PDF: AHRE Joint UPR Submission on Ethiopia

 

1. Introduction

 

• CIVICUS is a global alliance of civil society organisations (CSOs) and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society around the world. Founded in 1993, CIVICUS has members in more than 170 countries.

 

• The Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) is a non-governmental, non-partisan and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the advancement of human rights in Ethiopia. AHRE is registered and based in Geneva, Switzerland.

 

• The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent, non-profit organisation that champions press freedom across the world. Founded in 1981, CPJ campaigns for the right of journalists to report the news without fear of reprisal.

 

• DefendDefenders (The East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project) is a regional CSO which seeks to strengthen the work of human rights defenders throughout the East and Horn of Africa.

 

• PEN International is an international NGO founded in 1921 with PEN centres in over 100 countries. PEN works to defend freedom of expression and writers at risk around the world.

 

• Article 19 was founded in 1987 and defends freedom of expression and information worldwide, including in 14 Eastern African countries through a Kenya-based office.

 

• Consortium of Ethiopian Rights Organisations (CERO) is a consortium of five Ethiopian charities working on advocacy of human rights and democratic governance.

 

• Access Now is an international organisation that works to defend and extend digital rights of users globally, including through its digital security helpline.

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Press Statement

17 September 2018

 

The Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) condemns the violent and brutal attacks against innocent residents of Addis Ababa and the neighboring town of Burayu. On September 15, 2018, ethnic Oromo and Addis Ababa youths were involved in violent clashes over the choice of flags in different parts of the capital, including Piazza and Kuasmeda.

The Oromia Region Police Commissioner announced today that 23 people were killed during clashes since Friday. Federal Police also reported today that at least 600 people who were involved in the violence have been arrested. Police also confirmed that five more people were killed today, September 17 during clashes between security forces and protestors in Addis Ababa who were marching in protest of the killings and violence of the prior two days.

The clashes began on September 14, 2018 during preparations for the welcoming celebration for the delegation of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), an armed group based in Eritrea for more than 20 years. The OLF which until recently was on the government’s terrorist list, returned to Ethiopia as a result of negotiations undertaken by the new administration as part of the ongoing political reform taking place in the country. [Read more…]

Press Release

May 13, 2018

The Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) warmly welcomes the news on the Federal prosecutor’s decision to drop all charges against 62 federal political prisoners. The list includes 26 inmates charged for allegedly setting Qilinto prison ablaze, including Dr Fikru Maru, a renowned cardiologist and humanitarian; and Masresha Sete, a former pilot of the FDRE defence force. We are confident that all 62 inmates will be released shortly without any altercation.

On February 2018, AHRE had published a report, with detailed accounts of gross human rights violations committed by prison authorities against the detainees charged for ostensibly burning Qilinto prison^[1].

Furthermore, we are thrilled to observe Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s commitment to negotiate the release of over 2 thousand Ethiopians held prisoners, in Kenya and Sudan. We warmly acknowledge and commend the steps taken by the Prime Minister and his government in releasing political prisoners in and outside the country. [Read more…]