Ethiopia Dismisses HRW Distorted Report to Undermine Coexistence, Fuel inter-ethnic Conflict

Addis Ababa May 6/2023 (ENA) The Government Communication Service (GCS) said that the latest report of Human Rights Watch (HRW) is a distorted and misleading portrayal of the situation that attempts to undermine peaceful coexistence and fuel inter-ethnic conflict in Ethiopia.

In its press release sent to ENA, GCS downplayed the HRW report issued on 1st June 2023 which is an attempt to obstruct the national efforts for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia.

 Human Rights Watch issued yet another sensational report containing a litany of allegations of grave human rights violations, the press release said.

 The communication service also said the HRW released these allegations without conducting a thorough and credible investigation in all areas affected by the conflict.

 “The allegations are not substantiated by evidence. This distorted and misleading portrayal of the situation attempts to undermine peaceful coexistence and fuel inter-ethnic conflict and obstruct the national efforts for peace and reconciliation in Ethiopia,” it added.

 Ethiopia has independent institutions such as the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection of human rights through a proper and comprehensive investigation of violations committed in the context of the conflict, it noted.

 The Government has facilitated the Joint Investigation of UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

The Inter-Ministerial Task Force has been implementing the recommendations of the Joint Investigation and working on the investigation, the rehabilitation of victims, and legislative reforms, the GCS indicated.

 With the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the Government of Ethiopia has embarked upon nationwide consultations on Policy Options for Transitional Justice for Ethiopia, it added.

 A number of consultations have been conducted with stakeholders in the Government, CSOs, political parties, and the international community.

 The press release also said the transitional justice process will allow a comprehensive investigation.

 “The truth will be told, and perpetrators of crimes committed will be held accountable. The National Dialogue Commission is working on addressing the root causes of conflicts and other national problems in the country.”

 The Ethiopian Government has invited the OHCHR and EHRC Joint Team of Investigation to monitor the human rights situation in conflict areas in the northern part of the country.