The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in collaboration with the Federal Supreme Court of Ethiopia (FSCE), organized an awareness raising workshop on Transitional Justice (TJ) and Human Rights for the Judiciary on February 1, 2025, in Addis Ababa. The workshop brought together judges and experts from the Federal Supreme and High Courts, along with EHRC’s representatives. The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of Ethiopian judges to engage in TJ processes and uphold international legal standards.
The workshop provided an in-depth overview of key human rights instruments and relevant provisions from International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Criminal Law (ICL). It particularly focused on the African human rights system, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, international experiences and the implementation of Ethiopian TJ Policy. The overview placed special emphasis to the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice and accountability for gross human rights violations and international crimes.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) detailed the international human rights obligations in the context of TJ, addressing international human rights principles, the intersection of TJ and human rights law and key components of Ethiopia’s TJ Policy. In addition, Justice Susan Okalany, Deputy Head of the International Crimes Division at the High Court of Uganda, presented a virtual overview of Uganda’s approach to prosecuting international crimes.
During the discussion, participants exchanged views on various criminal tribunal models, including international tribunals, hybrid courts and domestic mechanisms, drawing on comparative experiences from countries like Uganda, Sierra Leone and the Gambia. They also raised questions regarding international legal instruments, Ethiopia’s TJ Policy and its implementation, fostering dialogue on how different states have integrated TJ principles and international criminal law within their national legal frameworks.
In her opening remark, Her Excellency Lelise Desalegn, President of the Federal High Court, underscored the pivotal role of judges in implementing TJ in Ethiopia. She emphasized the workshop’s significance in enhancing judicial knowledge, deepening understanding of international standards and best practices in human rights protection and TJ, as well as equipping judges to navigate the complexities of TJ with dedication and integrity.
Rakeb Messele, Deputy Chief Commissioner of EHRC, reaffirmed EHRC’s commitment to promoting an inclusive, victim-centered, human rights-compliant TJ process. She highlighted EHRC’s ongoing engagement in the TJ process, stressing the importance of drawing lessons from both international and African experiences as TJ is an ever evolving process.
