Human Rights Watch has called for the cessation of harassment and obstruction of organizations dedicated to the protection of human rights by the government. 

International institutions are continuing to urge the government to reconsider its ban on civic organizations. Human Rights Watch released a statement on December 2, 2024, expressing concerns over the government’s decision to ban three civic organizations. The organization called for the decision to be reversed unconditionally.

Human Rights Watch stated that the Ethiopian government should cease harassing and obstructing organizations that advocate for human rights. Human Rights Wach emphasized the importance of creating an environment where civic institutions can operate freely.

The prohibition of companies is indicative of a wider governmental initiative aimed at suppressing independent civil society groups, media outlets, and dissenting voices, according to Human Rights Watch.

Human Rights Watch has criticized government authorities for the shutdown of internet and telecommunication services, as well as the mass arrests of journalists and critics of the government amid the violence and conflict.

Previously, we reported the suspension imposed by the Authority of Civil Society organizations over the three civic society organizations, including the Organizations and the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD).

Amnesty International also criticized the government’s actions and called for the decision to be overturned. The Ethiopian Center for Human Rights Defenders released a report highlighting that leaders of civil society organizations have been forced to flee the country due to threats and intimidation. They urged the government to stop this behavior.

The World Organization Against Torture, a network of over 200 non-governmental civil society organizations dedicated to preventing human suffering, particularly beatings, expressed concern about the Ethiopian government’s actions in a statement issued on November 28, 2024.

In addition, Human Rights Watch called on all allies of the Ethiopian government to publicly denounce these actions. Laetitia Bader, Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch for Africa, stated that the Ethiopian government is severely restricting the space for independent civil societies to operate within the country.

Latitia Bader added, “The recent decision to ban three civic institutions in Ethiopia reflects a concerning trend were criticizing the government’s activities and advocating for human rights is becoming increasingly difficult.”

Human Rights Watch also highlighted that the government’s actions mirror past oppressive regimes in Ethiopia, which passed restrictive laws and hindered the work of human rights institutions.

The organization urged Ethiopian authorities to immediately lift the ban on civil society organizations and cease the escalating crackdown on human rights activities. Human Rights Wach called on other governments to break their silence on the Ethiopian government’s repression and join in condemning these actions, applying visible pressure for change.