The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) held an introductory program for the Deputy Chief Commissioner and Thematic Commissioners recently appointed by the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) on April 30, 2026, at its Addis Ababa head office, with staff and partners. The program was attended by the Chairperson and members of the HPR Standing Committee on Democratic Affairs, Commissioner General of the Federal Prison Commission Yenus Mulu, invited partners and EHRC staff.
During the event, the professional, skill, and educational profiles of EHRC Deputy Chief Commissioner, Dr. Mizane Abate; Commissioner for Women’s and Children’s Rights, Ashenefech Abebe; Commissioner for Human Rights Education and Training, Bedassa Lemessa; and Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed were presented. Attendees expressed their satisfaction with the commissioners appointed through a transparent public nomination and recruitment process led by an independent selection committee and extended their best wishes for a successful term of office.
Additionally, a recognition and congratulations program honored colleagues Dr. Abdi Jibril and Albab Tesfaye, who were elected as members of the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), respectively, bringing pride to both their country and the EHRC.
Yenus Mulu, the Commissioner General of the Federal Prison Commission, stated that filling the vacant leadership positions with qualified professionals who properly understand the sector will enable EHRC to carry out its institutional mission at full capacity. He further pointed out that respecting and enforcing human rights cannot be achieved by a single institution alone, the Prison Commission will work closely with EHRC to fully ensure the rights of prisoners in prison.
Honorable Ewnetu Alene, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Democratic Affairs of HPR, explained that the appointees were selected through a highly competitive process from among 72 candidates who met the requirements. He stated that protecting and promoting human rights is “work we do for our own sake,” and further noted that the Council will provide the necessary support while maintaining the institutional independence and neutrality of the EHRC. He urged the appointees to fulfill their public and governmental mandate by remaining steadfast to the law and established principles.
EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo stated that since the majority of the appointees have served EHRC in various leadership roles, their experience will further strengthen the institution’s capacity. He noted that this is a promising step, demonstrating that the institution is becoming a breeding ground for numerous leaders and professionals in the field of human rights. The Chief Commissioner further stated that his primary goal during his tenure is to see the EHRC maintain its independence, strengthen its human rights enforcement activities, and improve the implementation of its recommendations; he also advised the newly appointed commissioners to fulfill their responsibilities to make this a reality.