The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in collaboration with the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Council, conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop on the concepts of human rights and transitional justice (TJ) from April 15 – 16, 2026, in Assosa. The workshop brought together senior officials from the region’s legislative, judicial, and executive bodies, including representatives from the Regional Council, Supreme Court, Justice Bureau, Police Commission, Prison Administration, and other regional authorities.
The workshop covered human rights concepts and fundamental principles, international and regional human rights instruments, EHRC’s mandate, functions, and responsibilities, as well as international, regional, and national transitional justice principles and Ethiopia’s TJ policy direction. Each topic was followed by an in-depth discussion that allowed participants to explore the issues in detail.
Participants acknowledged the importance of the capacity-building workshop, highlighting the need to make similar opportunities available to a broader range of staff across different institutions They also emphasised that promoting and protecting human rights is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.
Honourable Ms. Askal Alboro, Chief Speaker of the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State Council, emphasized the critical importance of upholding human rights and ensuring application of the rule of law. She further noted that the Council is working closely with EHRC to establish a joint democratic institutions forum to advance the democratic process and safeguard human rights in the region.
EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adello highlighted the human rights issues caused and exacerbated by the security challenges in Benishangul-Gumuz Region in recent years, underscoring the need to address the root causes of human rights violations. He expressed confidence that the insights gained by senior officials during the session would be applied to respond to the region’s human rights concerns, while emphasizing the need to prioritize sustainable peace, noting that stability is a fundamental prerequisite for human rights protection. Finally, he urged active participation in the national transitional justice process, emphasizing that regional states must fulfil their responsibilities under Ethiopia’s TJ policy.