Addis Abeba – The World Organization Against Torture (OMCT) has demanded the “immediate and unconditional reinstatement” of three prominent Ethiopian human rights organizations, condemning their suspension as a significant blow to civic freedoms.
The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) suspended the Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), accusing them of “political bias” and “working against national interests.” In response, OMCT dismissed these allegations as “groundless,” framing the suspensions as politically motivated and linked to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent criticisms of human rights groups.
During a parliamentary address on July 4, 2024, the Prime Minister accused some organizations of deviating from their core mandate and acting with “political motives,” further alleging that they contribute to instability rather than advancing human rights.
OMCT expressed concern over a growing pattern of harassment targeting human rights defenders in Ethiopia, citing the exodus of former leaders of AHRE and the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) due to intimidation. It warned that the suspensions undermine freedoms introduced under the revised CSOs Proclamation No. 1113/2019, reversing progress made since the repeal of restrictive laws.
Amnesty International also criticized the suspensions, labeling them part of a broader crackdown on civic space and highlighting the vague and unsubstantiated nature of the accusations. CARD echoed these concerns, asserting that ACSO bypassed legal procedures, including prior notice and transparent investigations.
Meanwhile, Fasikaw Mola, Deputy Director of ACSO, clarified during a press briefing on November 28, 2024, that the suspensions are part of an ongoing investigation, not final judgments. He indicated that outcomes could range from warnings to permanent suspension, depending on the findings. Discussions involving the suspended organizations, the Civil Society Organizations Council, and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are ongoing.
OMCT warned that such actions send a “chilling message” to other civil society organizations, potentially deterring their work. It urged the international community to advocate for the protection of civic freedoms in Ethiopia and prevent further erosion of democratic space.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) added that intensified intimidation has forced several CSO leaders to flee, signaling a deteriorating environment for civil society in the country.
