Addis Abeba– The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) have become the latest organizations suspended by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), following the earlier suspension of two other entities.
ACSO justified its actions by alleging that the organizations had “deviated from their founding objectives by not remaining independent.”
In a statement issued on 26 December, EHRDC revealed that it had received a letter dated December 25, 2024, accusing it of “deviating from its founding objectives,” lacking independence, and failing to “maintain transparency in its organizational structure.”
EHRDC refuted the allegations, asserting it had “adhered to its foundational principles” while maintaining “utmost independence, accountability, and transparency.” The organization emphasized its compliance, stating, “We have regularly submitted operational and financial reports to the CSOA, which have been acknowledged as lawful and compliant.”
EHRDC also criticized the evaluation process, describing it as “conducted without our knowledge or in a manner inconsistent with our principles.” The organization called the decision “lacking legitimacy and not aligned with the law.”
Addressing allegations of “a lack of transparency,” EHRDC noted its “board-led structure” and history of “consistently receiving certificates of recognition.” The organization said it had sought clarification through an explanatory letter.
Highlighting the suspension’s impact, EHRDC stated, “The closure of our office not only affects our operations but also the beneficiaries of our services, including human rights defenders, partner organizations, and other stakeholders.” It vowed to pursue the matter “at every level” to ensure it can “resume its activities independently and freely.”
Similarly, the Authority had suspended the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO). In a statement released on December 26, 2024, EHRCO said it received a letter dated December 23, 2024, which was delivered to the organization on December 25. The letter accuses EHRCO of acting “beyond its founding objectives,” failing to remain “independent,” and exceeding administrative expense limits for the fiscal year 2023.
EHRCO disputed the allegations, stating that it has always operated within the bounds of the law. The organization emphasized its commitment to its mission, adding that the accusations “do not reflect the true nature of EHRCO’s work” and are inconsistent with its long-standing reputation as an independent body.
EHRCO reported that “discussions are ongoing with the relevant authorities” and addressed reports circulating on social media, describing them as “false and baseless.” These reports, the council said, allege its involvement in political activities, which it categorically rejected as “efforts aimed at tarnishing its reputation.”
EHRCO has previously reported challenges in carrying out its work due to “various pressures” from government entities. Dan Yirga, the organization’s former Executive Director, has stated that harassment and intimidation by government security forces ultimately forced him to leave the country.
The suspension of the two organizations follows the re-suspension of the Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR) by the Authority, just days after their previous suspension had been lifted.
The two organizations, along with the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), were initially suspended by ACSO, citing concerns about an alleged “lack of political neutrality” and activities deemed contrary to the “national interest.” While the suspension was briefly lifted, it was promptly re-imposed on the two organizations.
Several international human rights organizations have criticized these actions, calling them a significant blow to civic space in Ethiopia. Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Ethiopian authorities to “immediately reverse” the decision, with Deputy Africa Director Laetitia Bader stating, “Ethiopian authorities are squeezing shut whatever space remains for independent rights groups to operate in the country.”
Amnesty International condemned the suspensions as part of a “growing crackdown on civic space,” while the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) labeled the decision a “major setback” for civil society, attributing it to political motives. AS
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