Ethiopian Human Rights Council- About us

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) is an independent, non-governmental, non-profit making, non-partisan and non-political organization established on October 10, 1991. The founding members are Ethiopians from all walks of life academics, professional, and businesspersons who are committed to the cause of human rights, the rule of law and democracy. EHRCO has several members and support committees in the major cities of Europe, United States and Canada.

to strive for the establishment of a democratic system;
to promote the rule of law and due process;
to encourage and monitor the respect for human rights in Ethiopia.

the recognition of the people as sovereign and as the ultimate source of any political authority;
freedom to form associations and organizations for all interest groups and the unhampered advancement of their causes by all peaceful means;
freedom of all political parties to operate in every part of the country;
freedom of the press;
free and fair elections through which the people elect their representatives and administrators; and
the total rejection of violence or war as a means of acquiring or maintaining power.

the concept that no man is above the law;

that any legal issue shall be resolved with due process of law;

that every accused person has the right to proper defense; and

that the judiciary shall be totally independent from the executive and respect for judicial independence.

oppression and exploitation, bigotry and intolerance, discrimination and abuse, arbitrary rule and injustice, intimidation and fear.

the enjoyment of life, peace, security, justice and equality;
the unfettered expression of everyone's capacity to create, to work and make a decent living;
movement within the country and abroad;
exercising commensurate share of power in the affairs of the government.

The members of EHRCO believe that these freedoms are the right of every human being.

encourages Ethiopia's acceptance of all international conventions, covenants, charters and declarations that are concerned with human rights;
organizes seminars, workshops, panel discussions and lectures;
publishes and disseminates periodicals, newsletters and books so as to promote the basic principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
monitors and exposes violations of human rights committed by groups or government institutions;
campaigns for free and fair elections at all levels;
co-ordinates its activities with national and international human rights organizations.

EHRCO does not have a political program and does not aspire for political power. It does not support any political program or group in opposition of others. EHRCO is not partial to persons or groups but to principles. It is partial only to equality, to justice, to freedom, to democracy, to the rule of law and due process, and human rights and dignity.

Obversely, it opposes inequality, injustice, oppression, subjugation, suppression, dictatorship, war, violence, arbitrariness and violation of human rights. It also condemns and exposes atrocities committed by government officials and groups who, directly or indirectly, exercise State power. It monitors and reports on human rights violations, such as extra judicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, forced disappearances, unlawful confiscation of property, violation of privacy, arbitrary dismissal of employees, denial of freedom of conscience, religion, expression, and association, etc. EHRCO cannot be impartial and indifferent when human rights are violated.

EHRCO is the only human rights organization in Ethiopia, which monitors human rights violations. Since its establishment it has issued reports concerning the democratic process, the rule of law and the human rights situation in Ethiopia. It has also published books titled Democracy, Rule of Law and Human Rights in Ethiopia: Rhetoric and Practice; Basic Human Rights (in Amharic) and a Compiled Reports of EHRCO. EHRCO's publications are in Amharic and English.

EHRCO has a General Assembly, an Executive Committee and a Secretariat. The General Assembly, which is the general meeting of members of EHRCO, is the highest decision making body. It is this body, which elects and dismisses the members of the executive Committee (EC). The terms of office of the members of the EC is 3 years, but may-be re-elected. The EC, among other things, implements policies and decisions of the General Assembly; admits new members; and examines and approves all EHRCO's reports before they are released to the public. None of the EC members of EHRCO are members of political organizations because a member of a political organization is not eligible for election to the EC. Likewise, the secretary General and EHRCO's employees may be members of political organizations.

monitors human rights violations;
receives, collects and files documents which disclose clear violation of human rights;
prepares periodic reports on human rights, the democratic process, the rule of law and due process and disseminates the result;
conducts studies and prepares seminars and lectures on topics relevant to human rights, the rule of law and democracy.

Membership to EHRCO is open to all human beings (nationals and non-nationals) residing in the and outside Ethiopia, provided they are committed to human rights and believe in peaceful struggle. An individual may join EHRCO as a regular or as an associate member. Non-governmental and non-political organizations that support and promote human rights, the rule of law and democracy may also be members. However, individuals who have had participatory roles in organizations and institutions known for human rights violations cannot become members. See our membership section for more details.

EHRCO has several locations. See our local contacts page to locate the EHRCO office near you.