By Trend News Line 2024-06-10 09:10:00.
The Threats Against EHRCO: A Violation of Human Rights
In a troubling turn of events, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council Organization’s (EHRCO) branch office in Addis Ababa was recently visited by government security officials, who sought information and threatened two EHRCO employees in the process. This shocking incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of human rights defenders in Ethiopia.
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A Targeted Attack on Human Rights Work
Front Line Defenders has condemned these threats and surveillance as deliberate attacks aimed at silencing the legitimate human rights work carried out by EHRCO. As a registered non-profit, independent, and non-partisan local human rights organization, EHRCO plays a crucial role in monitoring, investigating, reporting, and documenting human rights violations in Ethiopia.
EHRCO’s Mission and Vision
EHRCO envisions a future where human rights are respected, democracy is robust, and the rule of law is upheld in Ethiopia. Through their detailed reports, EHRCO advocates for justice, compensation for victims, legal accountability for perpetrators, and policy and law enforcement changes to promote human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the country.
The Ongoing Attacks on EHRCO
Unfortunately, EHRCO has faced a series of threats and intimidation, including arrests, restricted access to information, criminalization, and defamation campaigns. The recent visit by government security officials is just the latest incident in a string of attacks against EHRCO staff members.
A History of Intimidation
In previous incidents, EHRCO employees have been physically assaulted, arbitrarily arrested, and subjected to judicial harassment. These attacks have escalated since 2023, with staff members facing increasing levels of surveillance and intimidation. The government’s efforts to silence EHRCO’s human rights work are deeply concerning and a clear violation of fundamental rights.
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Front Line Defenders’ Call to Action
Front Line Defenders has expressed deep concern at the crackdown on civil society in Ethiopia and has called on the authorities to ensure the security and protection of EHRCO staff members and other human rights defenders in the country. It is essential that human rights defenders be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals or restrictions.
Standing Up for Human Rights
In the face of threats and intimidation, EHRCO remains committed to its mission of promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Ethiopia. The organization’s dedication to justice and accountability is an inspiration to all those who believe in the importance of defending human rights. It is crucial that the international community stands in solidarity with EHRCO and other human rights defenders in Ethiopia to ensure their safety and protection..
– increasing crackdown on civil society in Ethiopia
– threats against Ethiopian Human Rights Council Organization (EHRCO).
