Conclusion of the Regional-Level of EHRC’s 6th National High Schools Human Rights Moot Court Competition

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has concluded the initial regional phase of the 6^th Annual National High Schools Human Rights Moot Court Competition. The competition, which commenced in January 2026, spanned twelve regions and two city administrations and brought together 182 students from 91 schools, with female students accounting for half of the participants. 

The competition is based on a hypothetical human rights case in which students follow formal court procedures to present both written and oral arguments, representing the applicant and the respondent sides. It aims to build human rights knowledge and skills among participating students and the broader school community. This year’s competition focuses on a thematic topic titled ‘The Right to Education in the Context of Armed Conflict‘. 

The competitors advanced to the regional oral rounds after finalizing their written memorials for both the applicant and the respondent sides. This oral competition took place on March 28, 2026, in selected cities across all regions and city administrations, with panels of legal and human rights experts serving as judges. 

The following schools emerged as winners in the regional-level competition: 

• Etege Menen Girls’ Boarding School from Addis Ababa;  

• Yenegew Tesfa and Werer Secondary Schools from Afar;  

• Haile Manas Academy from Amhara; 

• Paro Secondary School from Benishangul-Gumuz;  

• Lich Gogo Excellence Boarding School from Central Ethiopia; 

• Sabian Secondary School from Dire Dawa; 

• Pinyudo Secondary School from Gambella;  

• Jegnoch Secondary School from Harari Region; 

• Hilltops Academy from Oromia;  

• BNB Education Center from Sidama;  

• Sheikh Abdusalam Secondary and Preparatory School from Somali;  

• Arba Minch University Community School from South Ethiopia;  

• Abune Teklehaimanot School from Southwest Ethiopia; and  

• Aksum Alumni Secondary School from Tigray Region.  

Among the 15 top-performing schools, eight teams with the highest scores in their written memorials will advance to the national competition, scheduled to be held in Addis Ababa from April 19 – 24, 2026. 

Coaching teachers, schools, parents, all regions’ and city administrations’ education bureaus, and stakeholders have contributed significantly to the successful conclusion of the regional-level competition.