Heeding EHRC’s Stark Human Rights Warning

The report published by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC)this week covering the period from June 2024 to June 2025 paints a stark and distressing picture of ongoing human rights violations across the country. From widespread reports of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions to abductions, physical harm, the widespread destruction of property by both state and non-state actors, the findings underscore a severe crisis that threatens Ethiopia’s stability, national reconciliation, and its commitments to human dignity. Addressing these grave findings requires urgent, comprehensive, and sustained action from the Ethiopian government, insurgent groups, domestic institutions, civil society, and the international community. Only through a collective and determined effort can Ethiopia begin to reverse the cycle of abuse and lay a foundation for lasting peace and justice.

This task requires first and foremost the acknowledgment by all stakeholders of the seriousness of the EHRC’s findings. The report does not merely document isolated incidents but reveals systemic issues—patterns of impunity, misinformation, and repression that undermine the rule of law. Recognizing the extent and depth of these violations is the critical first step; denial or minimization only emboldens perpetrators and prolongs suffering. Ethiopia’s government and insurgencies waging an armed struggle against it should publicly reaffirm their commitment to human rights, justice, and accountability, signaling that violations must end and victims deserve justice.

A fundamental step is establishing credible, independent investigations into the incidents detailed in the report. The government must, without delay, empower or create genuinely autonomous commissions neutral to political influence—possibly in partnership with international bodies such as the UN or regional organizations. These investigations must be transparent, inclusive of victims’ voices, and conducted with integrity, ensuring that perpetrators—regardless of their rank or affiliation—are held accountable.  Holding answerable those responsible for atrocities is fundamental  for ensuring that justice is served for victims and affected communities as well as deterring future violations . It is also essential for restoring trust in the rule of law. It’s important as well to provide victims with other avenues for justice and reparations, including access to truth, legal redress, and social support. Transitional justice mechanisms—such as truth commissions, reparations programs, and institutional reforms—should be considered to facilitate societal healing, especially where conflict and repression are intertwined.

Although the EHRC report did not explicitly dwell on it, Ethiopia’s democratic space was dealt a severe blow during the period the report covers. In particular, a raft of laws that restricts civil liberties, media freedom and opposition voices were either enacted or introduced for consideration by Parliament. This regression needs to be stopped in its track.  An open space for civil society, independent media, and political engagement is vital to national reconciliation and preventing future violations. As such the government should immediately cease arbitrary arrests, harassment, and surveillance of activists, journalists, and opposition members. Civil society organizations must be allowed to operate freely, and their role in human rights monitoring, peacebuilding, and service provision must be genuinely recognized.

Underlying many of the violations are unresolved conflicts, grievances, and intercommunal tensions—factors exacerbated by marginalization and exclusion. A genuine, inclusive national dialogue that involves all segments of society—including marginalized ethnic communities, women, youth, and victims of violence—is essential. Such dialogue should aim to foster reconciliation, build trust, and develop a shared national narrative rooted in respect for diversity and human rights. If it is to succeed in achieving its intended outcomes it must be led by impartial facilitators committed to equity and transparency, with victims’ voices at the forefront. Engaging in dialogue is not sufficient in itself to end human rights violations though as they also hinge on implementing systemic reforms.  Even as judiciary reforms are pivotal to assuring independence, fairness, and access to justice of the courts so that they are able to hear human rights cases without undue interference it is also paramount to undertake a reform of security sector practices and training to ensure respect for human rights during law enforcement operations.

Addressing the grave findings of the recent EHRC report is both a moral imperative and a practical necessity for Ethiopia’s future stability. The government must commit to transparent, independent investigations to hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for victims. Restoring civic space, protecting civil liberties, and fostering inclusive national dialogue are essential steps toward reconciliation and societal healing. Structural reforms—such as strengthening judicial independence, reforming security institutions, and advancing equitable governance—are critical to preventing future violations. Only through decisive and comprehensive action can Ethiopia rebuild trust, uphold human rights, and lay the foundation for lasting peace. The path the stakeholders involved in the country’s human rights landscape choose now will shape its democratic trajectory and determine whether Ethiopia emerges stronger, more united, and committed to the dignity of all its citizens.