The role of Ethiopian human rights commission in the protection and promotion of human rights: a comparative analysis

Abstract

Like many countries in the world, Ethiopia has established Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) for the purpose of promoting the protection of human rights. But, the EHRC has not been effective in addressing the human rights concern it was established for. Its operational efficiency has been hindered by different challenges which undermined its internal excellence and external credibility. Majority of the community has not been the beneficiary of the service of the commission. The commission does not prefer to take proactive measures against human rights violations. There are even circumstances in which the commission refrained from hearing voices of sufferings. This study mainly aims to table appropriate solutions to the challenges affecting the effective functioning of EHRC. To achieve this, it critically analyzes the normative and institutional frame works and the practical works of the EHRC in line with Paris principles. It also did comparative and contextual looking at the experiences of selected human rights commissions because relying only on Paris principles may not provide panacea for the challenges since Paris principles have their own short comings. Accordingly, the study compares the EHRC with South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and Kenyan Human Rights Commission (KHRC) in terms of mandate, composition, process of appointment of the officials, resource capacity, accessibility, level of cooperation with other relevant institution, accountability, and transparency. The relevant experiences of Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) of Ghana are also considered in relation to some key issues. By using qualitative methodology, this thesis analyzed both primary and secondary sources of data collection. Interview with the concerned officials of the commission and other individuals is another method employed. Finally, the thesis has found that, in addition to compliance with conditions provided under Paris principles, the political willingness of government, developing the culture of democracy, promoting and encouraging the engagement and participation of civil society in the process of human rights promotion and protection and strong leadership and management are crucial for the effective functioning of EHRC. As a result of these findings and on the basis of lessons drawn from the experiences of the selected human rights commissions, the thesis recommends different measures to be taken by the government and the EHRC so as to enhance the effective functioning of the EHRC.