The Executive Director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), Dan Yirga, has fled Ethiopia due to escalating human rights violations and harassment by government security forces.
EHRCO, a non-governmental organisation established in 1991, focuses on promoting and protecting human rights within Ethiopia. The organisation conducts investigations into alleged human rights abuses and publishes reports on its findings. EHRCO has been a prominent advocate for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Human Rights Council has expressed concerns regarding increased harassment and intimidation of its employees by government security forces. The organisation has called on the Prime Minister’s office to end the harassment and intimidation of its staff, which it said has forced numerous employees to resign and flee the country.
The Ethiopian government has intensified its crackdown on journalists and human rights defenders, causing many to leave the country or suspend their work. In addition, three civil society organisations focused on human rights and democracy have been banned from operating in Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Human Rights Council has accused the government of violating human rights and restricting freedom of expression. The organisation also condemned the government’s actions as a threat to the rights of human rights defenders and journalists.
International human rights organisations and diplomatic missions have denounced the Ethiopian government’s actions, calling for an immediate end to the harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders and journalists.
Recent incidents include:
- Jan. 5, 2023: Four EHRCO staff members were arrested and arbitrarily detained for eight days while investigating cases of forced evictions outside Addis Ababa.
- April 6, 2024: Two security personnel warned an EHRCO staff member to cease their human rights work or face consequences.
- May 23, 2024: Security officials visited EHRCO’s branch office in Addis Ababa, threatening two staff members.
