Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Chief Commissioner Dr. Daniel Bekele is participating in the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council, which is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland. As a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) accredited with an A-Status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), EHRC can directly address the Human Rights Council on human rights issues, including the human rights situation in Ethiopia.

On September 21, 2023, the Chief Commissioner delivered a statement on behalf of GANHRI, focusing on human rights and the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in the context of the SDGs Summit which is taking place in New York. In his statement, Dr. Daniel said Human Rights and the Agenda 2030 are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing. He further reaffirmed the commitment of NHRIs to work in partnership with states, and all stakeholders, using their broad and independent mandate, to help deliver the people-centered and rights-based vision of the 2030 Agenda.

EHRC Chief Commissioner Dr. Daniel Bekele at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council

The Chief Commissioner also made a statement on behalf of EHRC during the Interactive Dialogue (ID) with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE), which took place on September 21, 2023. Underscoring the positive engagement by EHRC, the Chief Commissioner noted that ICHREE readily accepted information that was shared by the EHRC/Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) from the Joint Investigation Team database in line with the applicable rules of data sharing related to consent, confidentiality and protection.

Dr. Daniel further underlined the joint investigation report is as yet the most comprehensive on-the-ground investigation on Tigray and that it will contribute to ongoing and future efforts for justice, truth and reparations for victims. Adding that, the effective cooperation and collaboration between EHRC and OHCHR in the execution of their respective mandates, despite a challenging environment for human rights work could serve as a model for other countries.