Overview of Human Rights in Ethiopia

Recent elections (in 2005) resulted in accusations of irregularities and subsequent riots, which led to many serious human rights abuses. While Ethiopia did not have a good record before the elections, it has only worsened in the aftermath.

Background Note: After the elections, opposition parties chose not to accept the results and called for civil disobedience from the populace. Widespread riots and protests broke out months later. The police and military responded with excessive force, killing at least 80, wounding more than 100, and arresting more than 4000 in Addis Ababa and other towns. Among those arrested were regular citizens, journalists, opposition politicians, and civil society activists. The government has indicated that several of those still being held will face charges of treason. This meant sentences of death for those found guilty.

The government of Ethiopia uses several forms of human rights abuses to deter and punish those who oppose its authority. Torture, prolonged imprisonment, harassment, and sometimes even death are some of the tactics used. The government also infringes on the right to privacy as well as the freedoms of press, assembly, association, and movement.

Societal discrimination against children, disabled people, and religious and ethnic minorities are other human rights abuses that are frequently reported.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) is the only nationwide human rights organization that functions on a full time basis in Ethiopia. Those who work for this organization often face harassment and intimidation by the authorities. In June 2005, three EHRCO workers were arrested and taken to military detention camps because they were trying to document on the aftermath of the May 2005 elections. Though they were later released, they still have to face criminal charges.

Human Development Index (HDI) Rank:

170th out of 177

Note: Human Development Index (HDI) is a composite index that measures the level of well-being of nations in the world. It uses factors such as poverty, literacy, life-expectancy, education, gross domestic product, and purchasing power parity to assess the average achievements in each nation. It has been used in the United Nation’s Human Development Report since 1993.