The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in commemorating the International Human Rights Day, observed annually on December 10, reaffirms its commitment to fostering a human-rights culture in Ethiopia. The day marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the landmark declaration affirming the inalienable rights of all human beings, born free and equal in dignity and rights.
The theme of this year’s International Human Rights Day, “Human Rights: Our Everyday Essentials,” underscores the imperative to embed human rights in everyday practice, policy, and public life. This aligns with EHRC’s vision of cultivating a human rights culture in Ethiopia, as set out in its five-year strategic plan. In pursuing this vision, EHRC is guided by the values, standards, and principles of human rights enshrined under the UDHR and other international, regional, and national human rights frameworks. Realizing the rights recognized in these instruments is fundamental to enabling individuals to live in dignity and meet their daily basic needs.
EHRC is fully cognizant of both the persistent and emerging challenges to translating the human-rights ideals into lived realities in Ethiopia. With strong political will from the Government of Ethiopia and the active engagement of all rights holders and bearers, these challenges can be progressively addressed, thereby creating conditions conducive to making human rights truly part of everyone’s daily life. Given the current context, embedding human rights into everyday life, among other measures, requires the implementation of transitional justice, inclusive national dialogue, and other measures that promote reconciliation, accountability, and trust. These mechanisms are vital to acknowledging past violations, hearing victims’ voices, and preventing future abuses.
EHRC, as Ethiopia’s National Human Rights Institution, remains committed to promoting and protecting human rights across the country, with the broader goal of fostering a true human-rights culture. The Commission, however, emphasizes that the full realization of human rights cannot be achieved by a single institution. Government bodies, political parties, civil societies, business entities, communities, academia, media, and development partners all have critical roles to play. Respecting the rights of others, advocating, monitoring, educating, and raising awareness are all essential contributions to embedding human rights in daily life.