EHRC Reports Increase In Extrajudicial Killings, Forced Disappearances

Commission calls for immediate release of detainees held incommunicado

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released a report indicating a rise in extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances across various regions in Ethiopia.

The Commission indicated that incidents of violence against civilians have escalated, particularly in conflict-affected areas. The report also noted that many individuals remain unaccounted for and families are unable to obtain information regarding their whereabouts.

EHRC released the report on January 24, 2025, highlighting cases of extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the Amhara and Oromia regions, as well as other conflict-affected areas.

The findings were based on investigations conducted over the past year, covering the period from September 2024 to January 2025. The investigations included testimonies from victims, their families, and local organizations.

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The EHRC report, which focused on areas affected by conflict, documented numerous human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, civilian deaths, injuries, property destruction, arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, restrictions on movement, and the erosion of judicial independence.

The report also detailed specific incidents of human rights violations, such as the killing of civilians by government security forces in Gondar and the killing of teachers by armed groups in East Gojjam.

Additionally, the report documented the harassment and imprisonment of judges by security forces.

The EHRC documented 115 civilian deaths during the reporting period, in addition to earlier fatalities.

“In Gonder city, specifically in areas such as Kebele 18, a total of 55 civilians, including men, women, and children, were killed over the span of two days,” the statement reads. “Additionally, on September 16 and 17, four civilians were killed, while eight children and adults sustained severe injuries, and over six houses were destroyed.”

The report noted that on October 5, 2024, two civilians were killed extrajudicially by government forces in Saja Weal Woreda of the Kellem Wollega Zone in Oromia.

According to the report, civilians suspected of ties to opposing factions were reportedly executed while in custody.

The Commission also highlighted arbitrary detentions, where detainees were held without access to families or legal representation. The report describes incidents of mass incarceration in the Amhara region, including the arrest of senior government officials.

“[The mass arrests] included government officials at all levels, security officials and members, government employees, judges, prosecutors, council members, businesspeople, journalists, primary and secondary school teachers, university professors, women, youth, private sector workers, religious leaders, and model students were in the attendance list,” reads the EHRC report.

It indicates that civilians from Bahir Dar, West Gojjam, North Shewa, and other areas were abducted from their homes by government security forces and taken to unknown locations.

“Their whereabouts are still unknown,” reads the report.

While the EHRC has committed to continue monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant stakeholders to address these issues, it urged government authorities to ensure accountability and transparency in the handling of detainees.

The Commission further emphasized the importance of adhering to legal processes and respecting the rights of individuals taken into custody. It called for the immediate release of detainees held incommunicado, stressing that such actions violate fundamental human rights principles.