Ethiopian authorities have suspended three prominent human rights organizations, prompting calls from international watchdogs for the immediate reversal of the decision. The Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) issued suspension orders to the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), accusing them of political bias and activities against “national interests.”
Effective November 14, 2024, suspensions require the organizations to halt operations. Rights groups and observers argue that these moves reflect a deepening crackdown on civil society in Ethiopia.
“Ethiopian authorities are closing what little space remains for independent rights advocacy,” said Laetitia Bader, Deputy Africa Director at Human Rights Watch (HRW). “This is yet another indication of how inhospitable Ethiopia has become for critical voices.”
The targeted organizations have been vocal about governance, the rule of law, and rights issues in Ethiopia. Days before their suspension, they had co-signed a public letter opposing proposed amendments to the media law, which critics claim would erode the independence of the country’s media authority by placing it under the Prime Minister’s Office.
Flawed Procedure and Legal Challenges
CARD and AHRE have criticized ACSO for not adhering to the legal procedures outlined in the 2019 Charities and Societies Proclamation. They noted the lack of prior written notice regarding alleged non-compliance. Meanwhile, LHR announced plans to contest the suspension in court. ACSO’s deputy director, in a recent press briefing, suggested a forthcoming review of the decision but denied that civil society space is shrinking.
The suspension aligns with broader efforts by the Ethiopian government to suppress dissent. Over recent years, authorities have curtailed media freedoms, restricted access to the internet during unrest, and carried out mass arrests of journalists and government critics, often detaining individuals without charge.
A Pattern of Repression
The suspensions echo a history of government actions against civil society and international humanitarian organizations. In 2021, ACSO halted the operations of several global aid groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the Norwegian Refugee Council, citing national security concerns during the Tigray conflict.
Government rhetoric has also intensified. In September 2022, ACSO’s director-general publicly vowed to hold organizations working against “Ethiopia’s sovereignty” accountable. Earlier this year, human rights defenders reported surveillance, threats, and intimidation from security forces, forcing some to flee the country or suspend operations.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, in office since 2018, initially implemented reforms that repealed oppressive laws and expanded civic freedoms. However, HRW has accused his administration of rolling back these advances while touting reforms in public statements.
International Response Urged
Ethiopia’s partners have been urged to condemn the government’s actions and demand accountability. Human Rights Watch called on the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to intensify scrutiny of Ethiopia’s worsening human rights situation and urged member states to address concerns at the UN Human Rights Council.
“Concerned governments must act decisively to counter Ethiopia’s growing repression,” Bader said. “Swift international condemnation and tangible pressure are essential to reverse this troubling trajectory.”
As avenues for domestic accountability shrink, Ethiopia’s regional and global allies are under increasing pressure to tie their partnerships to clear benchmarks on human rights and governance reforms.
