HRW Calls on Ethiopia to immediately reverse suspension of 3 human rights organizations

Human Rights Watch (HRW) urged Ethiopian authorities on Monday, December 2, to reverse the suspension of three human rights organizations: the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), and Lawyers for Human Rights in Ethiopia (LHR), Jurist News reported yesterday.

The Ethiopian Authority for Civil Society Organizations issued suspension letters on November 14, citing accusations of political bias and undermining national interests.

LHR’s suspension was attributed to alleged breaches of political neutrality and detrimental actions against public welfare. CARD faced similar allegations. Each organization has denied these claims and plans to challenge the suspensions, arguing that proper procedures under the Charities and Societies Proclamation were not followed.

The suspensions coincide with the organizations’ criticism of proposed amendments to the Media Proclamation, perceived as threats to free speech. HRW condemned these actions as part of a broader pattern of repression in Ethiopia, calling for immediate international intervention.