Towards Enhancing the Role of Ethiopian Human Rights Commission in Implementing African Commission on HPR Recommendation

Abstract

This article assesses the frameworks and practical engagements of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in monitoring the national level implementation of recommendations provided by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. A qualitative study has been conducted based on laws, data, document analysis and interviews. The findings of the study indicate that prior to its reform (which began in 2019), EHRC had neither established frameworks for its engagement in monitoring the implementation of recommendations issued by African Commission, nor had it started practical engagement in this area. Following its reform, although EHRC has established institutional frameworks for engagement with international and regional human rights monitoring bodies, it has yet to adopt specific guidelines or directive to guide its involvement in monitoring the implementation of the African Commission's recommendations on cases of human and peoples' rights violations. Furthermore, it has not initiated practical engagement in this particular area. This article suggests that –as an institution with a statutory duty to coordinate international and national efforts to enhance the implementation of recommendations offered by regional human rights monitoring bodies and to advocate for ensuring justice to victims of human rights violations– EHRC should adopt specific guidelines to guide its engagement in this specific area and begin effective engagement with all stakeholders in monitoring the implementation of recommendations issued by the African Commission.