The government must reinforce and sustain legal measures aimed at building national consensus, widening the democratic space, and supporting peacebuilding

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an independent national human rights institution mandated by the Constitution and its establishment proclamation to monitor the human rights situation, investigate violations, provide recommendations, and raise awareness to ensure that human rights are respected.

Through its periodic reports and recommendations, the EHRC has repeatedly urged for lasting peace in Ethiopia and the resolution of disputes and differences through lawful, peaceful, and negotiated means, while maintaining continuous efforts toward their practical implementation. Believing that human rights can be protected and promoted through constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders while maintaining the Commission’s independence, it is currently undertaking various activities, and numerous results have been achieved.

Accordingly, the Commission submitted the matter to the government, acting upon requests from citizens seeking special consideration of their cases through the Commission, including those who were convicted of attempting to violently overthrow the constitutional order, terrorism, and other serious offenses, as well as those currently on trial, and in coordination with efforts undertaken by various stakeholders.

Following the matter submitted by the Commission based on requests voluntarily brought forward by individuals on trial, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia affirmed his government’s enduring commitment to taking measures that advance peace, national consensus, and the building of a democratic system in a manner that respects the rule of law. Accepting the request favorably and supporting the EHRC to strengthen its initiated work in coordination with relevant bodies, he gave a firm direction to the relevant government organs to execute this national peacebuilding process lawfully and effectively. Similarly, regional presidents made parallel decisions and showed similar commitment regarding cases at the regional level.

The EHRC welcomes the decision taken in accordance with established legal and pardon procedures to pardon individuals convicted of various offenses, conditionally withdraw charges against defendants on trial and release them from custody, restore their rights in accordance with the law, and facilitate their return to peaceful life, commending it as a positive step that should be sustained and reinforced moving forward.

The EHRC welcomes the multifaceted activities undertaken by the government to strengthen national peace, national consensus, and the democratic system: namely, the National Dialogue process, the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs, calls for peace made across the regions, and public peace dialogues. Furthermore, while acknowledging all stakeholders who have contributed positively to the process over the past 5 months through the efforts of the Commission, it affirms its belief that this step taken by the government based on pardon and legal procedures contributes significantly to sustainable peace, national consensus, and democracy.

The Commission will continue to closely monitor these positive steps and efforts undertaken by the government, particularly regarding peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes, and will conduct monitoring and reporting to ensure that all processes are implemented in an inclusive manner that respects human rights, serving as a strong foundation for sustainable peace, justice, and accountability. Believing that sustainable peace is fundamental for the universal respect of human rights, it urges that these efforts be strengthened and acknowledges the efforts made so far.

The EHRC reaffirms that, through the coordinated efforts of the Commission with relevant bodies, the government’s acceptance of the request and decision to release citizens from detention holds immense national significance and sets as an exemplary precedent for the rest of the world.

In accordance with the government’s decision, more than 600 people were released from detention today. The Commission would affirms that it will continue to sustain and build upon similar dedicated efforts moving forward. The Commission also extends its gratitude to the government for its resolute stance, to our fellow citizens who were in detention for their readiness to ensure the success of the process, and to all parties who exerted efforts for the effectiveness of the process.

The Commission urges the citizens released from detention today to return to their respective areas, participate peacefully and lawfully in national peacebuilding and development activities, and refrain from activities that undermine peace. The EHRC calls upon government administrative bodies at various levels in each area, civil society organizations, and other relevant non-governmental organizations to actively support efforts aimed at rehabilitating released citizens and facilitating their reintegration into normal community life.

On this occasion, the EHRC once again renews its call for all forces who believe that problems in Ethiopia should be resolved through armed struggle and violence to choose the path of peace and engage in meaningful negotiations.

Finally, the Commission urges on any forces seeking to use the efforts and results made by the government and the Commission regarding the release of our detained compatriots for undue political agendas and the disruption of peace and security to refrain from such actions.