Ethiopia: UPR Briefing Paper on the situation of human rights defenders
This Briefing Paper on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia is intended to assist States and other stakeholders to formulate questions and recommendations regarding the protection of human rights defenders during the UPR.
(Geneva) - Ethiopia is scheduled to be reviewed at the 19th session of the Universal Periodic Review in April-May 2014.
Over the last five years, Ethiopia has enacted a range of laws which severely restrict and criminalise the work of human rights defenders and which are manifestly incompatible with rights to freedom of expression and association. The use and abuse of these laws has resulted in a near cessation of independent human rights monitoring or advocacy in the country.
In addition to facing significant legal threats, human rights defenders in Ethiopia also frequently face physical attacks, acts of intimidation, judicial harassment and arbitrary arrest.
This Briefing Paper on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders in Ethiopia is intended to assist States and other stakeholders to formulate questions and recommendations regarding the protection of human rights defenders during the UPR.
For further information about the Briefing Paper or for any assistance or advice in the formulation of recommendations, please contact ISHR's Head of African Advocacy, Clement Voule, on [email protected].