EHRCO Security Threats : “Ethiopian Human Rights Council under threat: Civil society crackdown”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Ethiopian civil society crackdown
2. EHRCO threats Ethiopia

Front Line Defenders reported that on 23 May 2024, government security officials visited the Ethiopian Human Rights Council Organization (EHRCO) branch office in Addis Ababa, threatening two employees in the process. EHRCO, a non-profit human rights organization, works towards upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Ethiopia. The organization monitors, investigates, and documents human rights violations, advocating for justice and policy changes. However, EHRCO has faced escalating threats and intimidation, including surveillance, arrests, and physical assaults. Front Line Defenders condemns these actions and calls on Ethiopian authorities to ensure the safety and protection of EHRCO and other targeted human rights organizations in the country.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council Organization Faces Threats and Surveillance

On the 23rd of May 2024, the Ethiopian Human Rights Council Organization’s (EHRCO) branch office in Addis Ababa, specifically located in the Lideta Sub City, was visited by government security officials. These officials were on a mission to gather information and ended up threatening two EHRCO employees in the process. The government officials claimed to be representatives of the National Security Office, creating a tense and intimidating atmosphere for the EHRCO staff present.

EHRCO: A Defender of Human Rights in Ethiopia

EHRCO is a non-profit, independent, and non-partisan local organization that is dedicated to advocating for the respect of human rights, the establishment of a strong democratic system, and the enforcement of the rule of law in Ethiopia. The organization plays a crucial role in monitoring, investigating, reporting, and documenting human rights violations across the country.

Escalating Attacks and Intimidation

Unfortunately, the threats and surveillance directed at EHRCO are not isolated incidents. The organization has been facing escalating attacks since 2023, with incidents including physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, and judicial harassment. The safety and security of EHRCO staff members have been compromised due to their unwavering commitment to upholding human rights in Ethiopia.

Front Line Defenders Condemns the Crackdown on Civil Society

Front Line Defenders, a global human rights organization, has expressed deep concern over the increasing crackdown on civil society in Ethiopia. The organization strongly condemns the intimidation, harassment, threats, surveillance, and arbitrary detention faced by EHRCO and other human rights organizations in the country. Front Line Defenders calls on the Ethiopian authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and protection of all human rights defenders.

Standing Up for Human Rights in Ethiopia

As the attacks on EHRCO and other human rights organizations continue, it is essential for individuals, organizations, and governments to stand up and speak out against these violations. Protecting the rights of human rights defenders is crucial for the advancement of democracy, justice, and equality in Ethiopia.