The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – East Africa Regional Office (OHCHR-EARO), held a one-day consultative workshop on TJ with victims of human rights violations from Southwest Ethiopia region on December 29, 2025, in Bonga.
The workshop, part of a series of sessions including one conducted in October 2025 in South Ethiopia region, aimed at raising victims’ awareness on Ethiopia’s TJ process and their critical role. It included an experience-sharing session in which victims’ associations from Afar, Amhara and Somali regions highlighted their ongoing efforts.
Discussions covered the concept of TJ and the role of victims within the context of Ethiopia’s TJ framework. Presentations on comparative international experiences and emerging national initiatives illustrated how victims and survivors can effectively organize and contribute meaningfully to a human rights-compliant TJ processes.
The workshop also included a focused group discussion, providing victims with a dedicated space to explore opportunities for an active engagement in justice processes at both local and national levels. Participants identified avenues for participation, potential challenges, and areas where support from EHRC, OHCHR-EARO and local civil society organisations would be most needed. Key priorities highlighted included technical assistance, capacity building and guidance to help victims organize effectively, advocate for their rights and participate meaningfully in the TJ process.
The consultation provided a platform for direct engagement with victims of human rights violations in the Southwest Ethiopia region. EHRC emphasized the importance of amplifying victims’ voices and strengthening their coordination, reaffirming its commitment to a victim-centred and human rights-compliant TJ process through similar awareness-raising and experience-sharing sessions across the country.