MPs Press Justice Ministry Over Accountability Gaps, Insufficient Anti-Trafficking Measures

The Ministry of Justice has faced a detailed round of scrutiny from members of a parliamentary committee over what they described as weak law enforcement, inadequate anti-trafficking efforts, and poor prison oversight during a first-quarter performance review.

During a presentation of the Ministry’s performance report on Thursday, October 23, 2025, lawmakers questioned the Ministry’s resolve in recovering misused public funds, ensuring accountability for rights violations, and protecting vulnerable groups in detention — warning that systemic failures risk undermining the rule of law and public trust.

The Legal and Justice Affairs Committee asked pointedly how officials were ensuring that “misused public and government financial resources” identified by the Federal Auditor General are being recovered and that those responsible face legal or administrative measures.

An MP warned that remarkable economic gains risk being undermined by the misuse of funds.

The representative cited audit findings that suggest limited public and government finances—which are expected to support development—have been increasingly misappropriated by individuals within various government institutions.

“This was revealed as the [Auditor General] presented its consolidated report to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for the fourth consecutive year. The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with other relevant offices, should provide an explanation regarding what measures have been taken to ensure that this money is recovered and what challenges have been encountered in the process,” said the MP.

Furthermore, the Committee demanded clarification on whether administrative actions have been taken against  entities accused of misusing resources, and whether there exists a legal mechanism that holds them accountable, as indicated in the Ministry’s fiscal plan.

Another member of the Committee raised concerns that anti-trafficking measures “remain insufficient compared to the scale and complexity of the problem.”

“It is evident that anti-human trafficking activities being carried out both by the Ministry and through national coordination efforts have been expanding over time. However, compared to the magnitude and complexity of the problem, the ongoing efforts are not yet at a level that can provide an adequate and proportionate solution,” he asserted.

The Committee demanded officials explain what the Ministry’s quarterly plan incorporates and whether or not it has a distinct and innovative approach that would enable stronger and more effective action. It also inquired who will actually be responsible in leading anti trafficking efforts at  regional level.

“Even if it may not be possible to create a completely free zone that prevents human trafficking, it is still possible to establish areas with a reduced level of risk through proper leadership and coordination. Discussing this and finding ways to make it happen is important,” noted an MP.

The MP also pressed Ministry officials to explain how they intend to “ensure accountability for extremists and insurgents implicated in human-rights violations, killings, and hate speech.”

Lawmakers further questioned the handling of confiscated properties under special asset-recovery procedures, asking what safeguards exist to prevent closure of cases without due process and to guarantee that recovered assets are returned appropriately.

The Committee relayed public questions from Maji constituency in South West Ethiopia, reporting that members of a neighboring region attacked Siyali Kebele, killing about ten peaceful residents, but have yet to face justice.

One MP cited complaints that gold jewelry and over twenty legally registered firearms seized during police operations “have not been returned,” calling for restitution “through lawful means.”

In the East Gojjam Zone, she said, citizens “harassed, robbed, or detained amid insecurity cannot even move or trade,” urging the Ministry to act with partners “to ensure accountability and restore justice.”

MPs also cited serious gaps in correctional facilities, particularly for children living with their mothers in detention, noting that no specific budget allocation exists to cover their needs. The Committee urged “targeted measures to protect these children’s rights.”

Senior Justice Ministry officials acknowledged the scrutiny but defended their results.

One official said a first-quarter client-satisfaction survey showed 93.7 percent positive feedback across eight service areas.

“Our reform is delivering,” he said. “Digitization, coordination with police and correctional institutions, and improved prosecution quality are our priorities.”

While officials from the Ministry of Justice did not provide direct answers to questions raised by the public and presented by Committee members, they offered general explanations addressing the concerns.

Ermias Yemaneberhan (PhD), state minister for institutional building and reform at the Ministry, said his office would work with regional administrations to deliver organized and lawful responses through proper channels. He also outlined the Ministry’s cooperation with regional administrations and its engagement in legal and prosecutorial matters.

On the other hand, Belayhun Yirga, state minister in charge of the legal and justice division, stated that there would be no immediate responses to the issues raised by the public but noted that the Ministry would take the concerns into consideration.

“There will be no specific responses given here today,” he said, “but we will take the concerns raised by the public and address them through follow-up action.”

The Committee urged Ministry officials to ensure that investigations are carried out into violations of human rights in all areas where there is relative peace.

“Responsible bodies must be held accountable. We must be able to raise public trust,” noted a member of the Committee.

“We are seeing, in different areas, conflicts being stirred up, while criminals work behind the scenes to cover up their crimes. There are groups who, from time to time, instigate unrest for the purpose of hiding their wrongdoing,” he said. “It is important that we thoroughly investigate the crimes behind such disturbances. In relatively peaceful areas, we must go in and show the public that accountability exists — that our people can see justice being done. We must create a situation where we can visibly demonstrate this to the public.”