AN APPRAISAL ON THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Human rights defenders (HRDs) play a role in the solidification of democracy and the realization of fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals; they are crucial for the firming-up of democratic institutions. However, as they challenge the incumbent and the dominant non-state actors, HRDs are frequently victims of state and non-state actors. Subsequently, they need strong protection and attention from the government and the international community. Governments need to provide them with adequate protection and adopt robust means of doing this. Governments also need to recognize the work of HRDs as an opportunity rather than a threat to the incumbent, it is essential to allow them to perform their activities effectively and safely. This paper analyses the pertinent
legal frameworks designed for the protection or otherwise of HRDs in Ethiopia. However, it doesn't address their institutional issues and all their rights, rather, it concerns freedom of expression, the right to assembly and demonstration, and the right to association. In doing so, the current legislative reform measure and its fruits are
investigated instead of the rights of HRDs. Major legal documents, including international, regional, and domestic legal instruments, are critically investigated. The findings reveal that the legal protection of HRDs before the reform measure was terrifying and targeted HRDs. Most of the legal documents were draconian and had a chilling
effect on the work of HRDS in Ethiopia. After 2018, due to the legal and institutional reforms in the country, the protection of the rights of HRDs seems very promising. However, there are still legal gaps needing critical revision for their better protection in Ethiopia.