Status and Role of Victims of Crime in the Ethiopian Criminal Justice System

Abstract

This article explores the place and role of victims of crime in the present Ethiopian criminal justice system. It inquiries whether victims, as distinct from mere informants/witnesses, have a legally recognized position and can play significant roles within the criminal process. It examines if there are sufficient legal mechanisms that provide for their treatment and protection. A detour to survey global contemporary issues and emerging trends are also made with a view to bringing the issues under consideration in broader perspectives. After a thorough analysis of the existing legal framework in Ethiopia, the article finally concludes that victims currently (1) do not have adequate recognition, (2) have marginal roles, and (3) are without sufficient legal mechanisms which provide for their treatment and protection in the criminal process. Hence, the author recommends the inclusion into the forthcoming criminal procedure law of provisions that address the special concerns, needs, interests, and rights of victims.***“The provisions of the Rome Statute permit victims at the International Criminal Court to choose their legal representatives, who have a right to present their views and make submissions when their interests are likely to be affected. Such views and submissions may be made at all stages of the court proceedings with only the limitation that it would not be prejudicial or inconsistent with the rights of the accused. In an era where globalization and harmonization of criminal procedure seem set to continue indefinitely, it is inevitable that domestic processes and policymakers and criminal justice agencies will be increasingly influenced by such international developments.” (Jonathan Doak)