Ethiopia expresses commitment to promoting human rights on national, int’l fronts

Addis Ababa, February 24, 2025 (FMC) — Ms. Hanna Arayaselassie, Minister of Justice of Ethiopia, reaffirmed her country’s strong commitment to promoting and protecting human rights on both national and international fronts.

The minister reiterated her country’s commitment in her address at the 58th Session of the High-Level segment of the United Nations Human Rights Council held on 24 February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Minister expressed Ethiopia’s deep gratitude to member states for electing the country as a member of the Human Rights Council.

She emphasized that Ethiopia’s tenure on the Council will be an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global human rights efforts, collaborate with fellow nations, and address emerging challenges.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s efforts in advancing human rights, the Minister outlined the significant strides her country’s government has made in fulfilling its United Nations Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) 75 pledge.

The Minister also underscored Ethiopia’s active participation in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, where it submitted its 4th Cycle National Report and received 316 recommendations. Ethiopia is committed to implementing the accepted recommendations as part of its ongoing dedication to human rights advancement.

Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to promote peace, national reconciliation, and transitional justice were also key highlights of the speech.

Ms. Hanna outlined the country’s work on a comprehensive Transitional Justice Policy aimed at fostering accountability, truth-seeking, and reconciliation. Ethiopia’s advances to National Dialogue, in seeking to build broad-based consensus and a stable foundation for lasting peace was also mentioned.

Looking ahead, the Minister outlined three priority areas for Ethiopia’s role within the Human Rights Council: enhancing synergy between national, regional, and UN mechanisms; advocating for the indivisibility and universality of human rights, particularly economic, social, and cultural rights; and supporting group rights, including those of women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities affected by racism and discrimination, as per Permanent Mission of Ethiopia in Geneva.

The 58th session of the Human Rights Council is taking place in Geneva from 24 February to 4 April 2025. The Minister is participating in the High-Level Segment of the session which lasts till February 26.