Dear Secretary-General,
subject: Urgent Appeal for UN Action in Promoting Social Justice in Ethiopia
On behalf of the Washington Center for Human Rights, we write to bring to your attention the grave situation of social injustice in Ethiopia. We urgently call upon the United Nations to take decisive action and play a vital role in addressing the human rights violations and social inequalities prevailing in the country.
We have carefully reviewed the discussions held during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on May 22, 2023, as documented in the official statement by the Council. The deliberations shed light on the pressing need to address social justice concerns on a global scale. While we appreciate the Council’s recognition of this imperative, we specifically draw attention to the urgent situation in Ethiopia that requires immediate intervention.
Ethiopia, a nation historically characterized by diversity and cultural richness, is currently facing a multifaceted crisis that threatens the fabric of its society. The escalating conflicts, widespread human rights abuses, ethnic tensions, and socioeconomic disparities have created an environment of profound suffering and injustice. The violations of basic human rights, including the rights to life, liberty, and security of individuals, have reached alarming levels, requiring urgent international attention.
In recent years, Ethiopia has experienced escalating violence, particularly along ethnic and regional lines, resulting in countless deaths, displacements, and profound social divisions. The perpetration of violence and discrimination against specific ethnic and social groups has deepened the fault lines within Ethiopian society, undermining social justice, equality, and inclusivity. The most vulnerable members of society, including women, children, and minority communities, bear the brunt of these injustices.
It is imperative that the United Nations, as the leading international organization dedicated to promoting human rights, peace, and justice, takes immediate and decisive action to address the pressing human rights concerns in Ethiopia. We urge the UN to consider the following measures:
- Conduct a comprehensive investigation: Establish an independent and impartial commission of inquiry to investigate the human rights abuses, acts of violence, and social injustices occurring in Ethiopia. This investigation should focus on ensuring accountability for all those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
- Facilitate inclusive dialogue: Actively encourage and facilitate inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders in Ethiopia, including the government, opposition groups, civil society organizations, and affected communities. Such dialogue should prioritize building mutual understanding, fostering reconciliation, and developing sustainable solutions to the country’s deep-rooted social justice challenges.
- Strengthen institutions and capacity: Provide technical assistance, capacity building, and support to Ethiopian institutions responsible for upholding human rights, promoting social justice, and building an inclusive society. This assistance should include training programs, knowledge sharing initiatives, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of international human rights standards.
- Establish monitoring mechanisms: Establish robust monitoring mechanisms, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, to regularly assess progress made in addressing social justice issues in Ethiopia. These mechanisms should ensure compliance with international human rights standards and commitments, and provide recommendations for effective policy and programmatic interventions.
- Regional collaboration: Collaborate with regional organizations, such as the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, to collectively address the challenges and promote social justice in Ethiopia. Regional collaboration is crucial for fostering a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted crisis in the country.
The Washington Center for Human Rights stands ready to support and collaborate with the United Nations and its relevant entities in any efforts aimed at promoting social justice in Ethiopia. We emphasize the urgent need for immediate action to prevent further suffering and ensure a just and inclusive society for all Ethiopians.
In conclusion, we kindly request your
personal attention to this matter and call upon the United Nations to take decisive action to address the pressing social justice concerns in Ethiopia. By doing so, we can work together towards creating a more equitable, peaceful, and prosperous future for the people of Ethiopia.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent appeal.