Ethiopia Pledges to Redouble Efforts for Promotion of Freedom of Expression, Human Rights

Addis  Ababa  May  02/2019  PresidentSahlework Zewdie said Ethiopia will redouble its efforts in media and democratic reforms for the promotion of freedom of expression and  human rights.

Speaking at the opening of World Press Freedom Day, she said Ethiopia’s political reforms during the last one year has brought a remarkable progress in opening up freedom of expression and widening the democratization process.

“The remarkable progress that we made over the last one year will certainly encourage redoubling and renewing of democracy and reforms when the country was accused of intimidation of critical voice”,  she pointed out.

Sahlework particularly noted the ongoing sweeping reform in the media has been significantly changing the country's Ethiopia’s profile, once a country at the bottom of world press freedom index.

“We all know our track record in the past was far behind in ensuring freedom of expression. However, the media transformation has shown dramatic changes following major steps taken to make significant improvement over the year, including the release of all activists, journalists in detention and lifting of ban on some media outlets,” the president elaborated.

Articulating on the theme of this year's World Press Freedom Day, which is very relevant and timely for Ethiopia, Sahlework stated that Ethiopia is getting prepared for a general election in the coming year and the media should be ready to report trustworthy news on the election and other relevant issues.

“Our media outlets will certainly play an important role during elections by facilitating political discourses and enhancing the public understanding on the political platforms of contesting parties,” she underscored.