IMMUNITIES AND PRIVILEGES OF UN AGENCIES IN ETHIOPIA: PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE REMEDIES

Abstract

Ethiopia is a host country for more than a hundred diplomatic missions, including United Nations agencies and the African Union headquarters. The missions and their staff are accorded the immunities and privileges under international law or through agreements entered into by the Ethiopian government. As a result, domestic courts are barred from exercising judicial jurisdiction in disputes involving diplomats and officials enjoying immunities. Lack of judicial jurisdiction of persons with immunities and privileges resulted in abuses of the rights of Ethiopian citizens. This creates a vacuum of legal remedy available for individuals seeking justice against unlawful acts committed by persons enjoying immunity. This gave room for unscrupulous officials and staff to engage in unlawful activities to promote their private and personal interests. There has been a rise in the number of incidents involving abuse of rights of persons enjoying immunities and privileges in these missions. The present article deals with abuses of the immunities and privileges of UN agencies and suggests remedies to be undertaken.