The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) conducted an awareness-raising forum on judicial independence, human rights protection, transitional justice policy (TJ), and justice sector reform with senior officials and judges from the Central Ethiopia Region justice sector on June 27, 2026, in Hossana. The forum brought together Honorable Fate Sirmolo, Chief Speaker of the Regional Council, and Erseno Abure, President of the Regional Supreme Court, alongside administrators from various zones and special woredas, regional justice sector institutions, and other relevant stakeholders.
The forum featured presentations and discussions on judicial independence, human rights protection, the role of judicial institutions in safeguarding human rights, and transitional justice. The discussion emphasized that an independent judiciary is essential in upholding the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and enhancing public trust and confidence in the justice institutions. The discussion further elaborated that a credible, inclusive, and rights-based implementation of TJ is critical to ensure accountability, provide redress to victims, and establish sustainable peace and reconciliation.
Honorable Fate Sirmolo, Chief Speaker of the Central Ethiopia Region Council, stated that the awareness-raising forum organized by the EHRC will make a significant contribution to strengthening the capacity of the region’s justice sector actors.
EHRC’s Chief Commissioner, Berhanu Adello, noted that by establishing robust institutional partnerships and conducting sustained awareness-raising initiatives, it is possible to build an independent and accountable justice system. Furthermore, he called upon all relevant stakeholders to work collaboratively to strengthen the region’s justice institutions and enhance the protection of human rights.