The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) conducted a consultation with stakeholders on its 2026-2031 strategic plan, which will guide its operations and help fulfil legal duties, mandates, and responsibilities over the next five years, on May 25 and 26, 2026, in Bishoftu. The two-day consultation convened representatives from the Federal Police, the Federal Prison Administration, the Ministry of Defense, civil society organizations from all regional states, and international institutions.
During the consultation, an extensive discussion was held on the performance of the previous five-year strategic plan and the content of the new draft strategic plan. Building a preventive framework to avert human rights violations before they occur, enhancing the effectiveness of the Commission’s engagement with all stakeholders, and ensuring its institutional accessibility are key areas of special focus.
It was noted that EHRC is undergoing institutional restructuring to enable a rapid response to urgent and emerging human rights situations. It was further explained that the inputs gathered from the consultation are vital to accurately shape the Commission’s future strategic directions and enabling it to fulfil its institutional mission.
During the discussion on the performance of the strategic plan implemented over the past five years, external factors that could serve as opportunities and challenges to its mission and its internal institutional capacity were identified. Participants of the discussion subsequently shared insights on the strategic areas they believe the Commission should prioritize over the next five years.
Honorable Ewnetu Alene, Chairperson of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Standing Committee on Democratic Affairs, noted that the consultation provided an opportunity for the Commission to present a performance review of its achievements and gaps over the past five years, while allowing stakeholders to contribute critical inputs.
EHRC’s Chief Commissioner, Berhanu Adello, emphasized that the next five-year strategic plan centers on digital workflows and rapid information exchange systems to further strengthen capabilities in the promotion, protection, and enforcement of human rights. He added that the role of stakeholders is essential for the success of the plan, noting that the inputs gathered from participants will create significant capacity for its successful implementation.