Engagement with international and development organisations pivotal for an impactful human rights work

On June 7, 2023, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) hosted a delegation from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) at its headquarters in Addis Ababa. Led by H.E. Mr. Jochen Flasbarth, the State Secretary of BMZ and accompanied by German Ambassador to Ethiopia Stephan Auer, the delegation met with EHRC’s Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele and the Chairwoman of the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), H.E. Ms. Birtukan Midekssa.

During the joint meeting, EHRC’s Chief Commissioner and the Chairwoman of NEBE discussed with the BMZ delegation a range of issues related to human rights, democracy and sustainable development in Ethiopia.

EHRC Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele noted that such high-level visits also contribute to raising awareness about the need for collaborative effort by all stakeholders to ensure an impactful human rights work. The Chief Commissioner informed the delegation of the institutional capacity needs, socio-economic, political and human rights challenges while conveying hope that some of the steady progress that is observed can help lead to further positive developments in economic cooperation at national level as well.

H.E. Mr. Jochen Flasbarth, on his part, expressed his appreciation of the progress of the two institutions despite the difficult context in which they operate and announced that through the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany will continue to support the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE). In announcing the continuation of the partnership and support to the two institutions, the State Secretary also renewed the BMZ’s partnerships with NEBE and EHRC both in terms of financial and technical support.

NEBE Chairwoman H.E. Ms. Birtukan Midekssa, who joined EHRC Chief Commissioner in expressing the value of the consistent support of German cooperation to NEBE and EHRC in particular during their time of need, highlighted the importance of strong institutions for stability and peace.

The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ways to furthering progress in the promotion of human rights, including capacity building of civil society, and for a successful, credible and victim centred transitional justice in Ethiopia.