The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) held a consultative workshop on the findings identified and recommendations forwarded in its human rights monitoring activities on 46 police stations and 5 prisons found in various zones and city administrations in the Afar Region, on June 26 and 27, 2026, in Asayita. The consultation brought together Deputy Speaker of the Afar Regional Council, the Chairperson and members of the Legal, Justice, and Administration Affairs Standing Committee, heads of the Police Commission and Prison, representatives from the Regional Supreme Court, Justice Office, Peace and Security Bureau.
During the consultation, best practices identified through EHRC’s monitoring activities alongside critical human rights concerns requiring due attention were presented and discussed. The discussion highlighted positive developments, including holding police officers accountable for violating the rights of arrested persons and prisoners, establishing procedures allowing arrested persons and prisoners to meet with their family and visitors throughout the week, budget allocation for feeding and medical care for arrested persons at certain police stations, and increasing the budget for food and medical treatments in Prisons.
On the other hand, gaps in compliance regarding the right of arrested persons to appear before a court of law within 48 hours, the absence of segregation of juvenile detainees from adults, lack of specialized support mechanisms tailored to the specific needs of women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons, overcrowding in detention facilities due to a shortage of accommodation cells, absence of ambulance services are highlighted as among the pressing concerns requiring due attention.
Participants of the workshop acknowledged that EHRC’s findings reflect the realities within the police stations and prisons. They expressed their commitment to sustaining the positive developments identified and working towards addressing the critical areas of concern.
EHRC Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Older Persons, Mohamed Ahmed, emphasized that improving the rights of arrested persons and prisoners demands a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening its coordinated partnership with all relevant actors.