11/09/2026
The Government must continue Strengthening Lawful Measures that Promote National Consensus, Expand Democratic Space, and Consolidate Peace-building ..
Press Release - September 10, 2026
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an independent federal state body established as per the Federal Constitution and reporting to the House of People’s Representatives as a national human rights institution with the mandate for the promotion and protection of human rights.
EHRC has consistently issued timely reports and recommendations advocating for sustainable peace in Ethiopia, while persistently urging and actively working to ensure that disputes and differences are resolved through legal, peaceful, and negotiated means. Guided by the conviction that promoting and protecting human rights requires constructive engagement with the government and key stakeholders—while firmly maintaining the Commission’s independence—EHRC continues to execute various initiatives that have delivered tangible outcomes.
Accordingly, acting upon requests submitted to the Commission by citizens convicted of attempts to forcefully subvert the constitutional order, terrorism, and other serious crimes, as well as those currently under prosecution, EHRC submitted the matter to the government, requesting special review of their cases.
Taking these voluntary requests from the prosecuted parties as a starting point, H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed favorably received the Commission's submission. The Prime Minister reiterated his administration's steadfast commitment to taking steps that foster peace, national reconciliation, and democratic governance while respecting the rule of law. Expressing full support for EHRC to continue its joint efforts with relevant stakeholders, the Prime Minister issued decisive directives to government structures to execute this national peacebuilding initiative through established legal frameworks. Regional Chief Executives took corresponding decisions and demonstrated equal commitment for regional-level cases.
In accordance with these legal and pardon procedures, individuals convicted of various crimes were granted clemency, while prosecutions against defendants were conditionally terminated, enabling their release. Decisive steps were also taken to restore their legally restricted rights and support their reintegration into society. EHRC commends and believes these outcomes should be sustained.
EHRC looks favorably upon the government's broad initiatives to strengthen peace-building, national consensus, and democracy, including the National Dialogue, Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) programs, regional peace calls, and public consultations. While acknowledging all entities that contributed positively to the Commission's last five-month effort, EHRC reaffirms its belief that these legal and pardon-based actions serve as a major catalyst for lasting peace, national consensus, and democracy.
The Commission will closely track these positive government measures and peace-oriented solutions. EHRC will produce monitoring reports to ensure these processes remain inclusive, respect human rights, and establish a firm foundation for enduring peace, justice, and accountability. Reaffirming that lasting peace is fundamental to the universal enjoyment of human rights, the Commission urges the continuation of these endeavors while recognizing all achievements made thus far.
EHRC reaffirms that the government’s decision to accept this request through joint coordination, which resulted in the release of these citizens, holds immense national value and serves as an exemplary model internationally.
Pursuant to this decision, over 600 individuals were released today. The Commission intends to maintain its high level of engagement in similar initiatives as we advance. EHRC extends its gratitude to the government for its firm stance, to the released individuals for their constructive engagement, and to all partners who contributed to this successful outcome.
The Commission urges the released citizens to return home, participate lawfully and peacefully in national peacebuilding and development, and steer clear of destabilizing activities. EHRC also calls on regional administrative bodies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations to assist in rehabilitating these citizens as they reintegrate into daily life.
Additionally, EHRC renews its call for groups seeking to address Ethiopia's challenges through force and armed conflict to choose peace and negotiation instead.
Finally, the Commission cautions all actors against exploiting the outcomes achieved by the government and EHRC for political agendas or to cause public disorder.
🔗 https://ehrc.org/?p=39066
..
https://ehrc.org/
📌 አማርኛ/English - https://web.facebook.com/EthioHRC
📌 Afaan Oromo- https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591797593770
📌 Af-Soomaali- https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591810527231
📌 ትግርኛ- https://web.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61591382141937
You can file a human rights violation complaint by calling our toll-free line at 7307.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an independent federal state body established by Parliament as the national human rights institution with the mandate for the promotion and protection of human rights.
