Ethiopia presents its initial report to the Committee Against Torture
This week, Ethiopia presented its initial report under the International Convention against Torture to which it is a party. The report was presented during the ongoing 45th Session of the Committee against Torture in Geneva, Switzerland. The Committee, composed of ten independent experts, was established in order to examine the initial and periodic reports of member states on measures taken with the view to implementing the provisions of the Convention. Ethiopia’s delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, the Federal Police Commission, the Federal Prison Administration and the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations in Geneva. The delegation was led by Ambassador Fisseha Yimer, the Special Advisor to the Foreign Minister. He also introduced Ethiopia’s report for the committee’s consideration.
Ambassador Fisseha explained the background for the preparation of the report in which stakeholders at federal and regional level had vigorously participated. He noted the support and assistance of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He explained the constitutional and political framework for the implementation of human rights. Ethiopia has emerged from a past in which the state and its institutions were used to terrorize innocent citizens, so the achievement of the objectives of the Convention is an urgent task. This was why the government had carried out a comprehensive trial and accountability process bringing to justice high officials of the former government. Ambassador Fisseha’s introductory statement also provided information about some of the specific legislative and administrative measures the country has taken to give full effect to the protection the Convention guarantees.
Members of the Committee acknowledged the measures taken at national level to implement the convention. Questions were raised with respect to the treatment of prisoners in custody, the situation of human rights in certain regions, and the protection of women and children from harmful traditional practices as well as Ethiopia’s relationship with UN Special Procedures, the role and competence of the national human rights commission, the enactment of protection from torture in national legislation, and the accountability of police and military for human rights violations. Members of the delegation provided information on the various laws passed to provide protection, particularly those designed to keep women and children from harmful practices. The criminal law and criminal procedure codes guarantee due process for people under detention and on trial. The respective proclamations regulating federal institutions such as the military, the police and prison administration also provide norms and standards on treatment of individuals by these institutions and their members. These institutions also work with international organizations and NGOs in order to improve conditions in police custody and detention centres. A few specific questions required additional reflection and information, and the delegation stressed its readiness to provide the necessary information to the Committee in due course in writing. The Committee expressed its satisfaction with Ethiopia’s engagement and its willingness to consider Ethiopia’s further submissions. The Committee’s concluding observations can be expected to be issued shortly.