News: #UN rights experts call for continued monitoring of human rights violations in #Ethiopia

The International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (#ICHREE) has called for continued international monitoring of the human rights situation in the country.

Its final report presented to the UN General Assembly outlined evidence of widespread crimes against humanity and war crimes in the #Tigray, #Amhara, and #Afar regions. The Ethiopian government was accused of evading international scrutiny, undermining victims' rights, and posing a threat to the global human rights system.

The commission emphasized the need for comprehensive services to address the deep traumas inflicted by the conflict and urged for international engagement to ensure justice, prevent further violations, and establish lasting peace.

https://addisstandard.com/news-ichree-calls-for-continued-monitoring-of-human-rights-situation-in-ethiopia/

News: #US official reveals #Ethiopia’s request for #AGOA eligibility ‘still pending’, decision unlikely at upcoming forum

“Those decisions are still pending,” Ms Hamilton told journalists from the continent, and that “there probably will not be an announcement at the time that we get to the AGOA Forum,” she said referring to the upcoming AGOA forum.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order in November 2021 removing Ethiopia from AGOA following the escalation of the war, which started a year earlier in the Tigray region, and witnessed “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights.”

The Ethiopian government condemned the decision, describing it as “misguided and failing to consider the wellbeing of ordinary citizens.” https://addisstandard.com/?p=38741

News: Rights commission engages #Tigray interim gov’t over misleading report on #IDPs status

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has responded to concerns raised by the Tigray regional interim administration regarding its recent report on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in #Ethiopia.

The Tigray administration criticized the report, claiming it inaccurately stated that many displaced residents had returned home. The EHRC clarified that the report covered IDPs from other regions and pledged to engage with Tigray officials to resolve the misunderstanding.

A separate report on the human rights situation in Tigray will be released later. The EHRC reiterated its commitment to investigating and monitoring human rights despite challenges.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rights-commission-engages-tigray-interim-govt-over-concerns-related-to-recent-idp-report/

#Ethiopia: #Tigray interim leader removes top zonal officials for neglect of responsibilities, wastage of public resources

The Tigray interim administration removes six top officials for neglecting their responsibilities, resulting in the misuse of public resources.

The administration plans to address the issue with the relevant leadership and fill the vacant positions.

https://addisstandard.com/news-tigray-interim-admin-removes-top-zonal-leaders-for-neglect-of-responsibilities-wastage-of-public-resources/

#AS_Jabaa: Young, talented, passionate and creative!

Meet Poet Aboma Merga, who brings in Haiku, the Japanese poetic form that consists of three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third lines into his #Afaan_Oromoo poems.

Aboma's writing style of Afaan Oromoo poetry not only brings Haiku's unique style to his works, but contributes to the growth and sophistication of Oromo literature in Quubee letters. "The three verse poem is very beautiful," Aboma told team AS Jabaa.

He also produces poems in English. His inspiration taps into #Ethiopian literary giants of yesteryear, including Laureate Tsegaye Gebremedihn and the prolific author Solomon Deressa.

#Ethiopia’s press freedom crisis: Arrests, exile of Journalists intensify amid political turmoil

Groups defending the rights of journalists, such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (#CPJ), have consistently voiced concern about deteriorating press freedom and documented multiple violations, including the arrest of journalists. The recent conflicts in the #Amhara region have worsened the situation, leading to more imprisonments of journalists and media professionals.

Detained journalists often languish in prison without formal charges, leading to speculation that the government may be suppressing critical coverage rather than addressing criminal activities. This oppressive environment has compelled many media experts to seek asylum abroad, fearing for their safety and that of their families. The harassment faced by journalists, such as political analyst Tewodros Asfaw, has driven them into exile, exposing the precarious state of press freedom in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Broadcasters Association has also expressed worry over the government's treatment of journalists, emphasizing that many incarcerations are unrelated to their journalistic work and are often under charges of terrorism.

https://addisstandard.com/ethiopias-press-freedom-crisis-arrests-exile-of-journalists-intensify-amid-political-turmoil/

#Innovation: 12 outstanding projects emerge as finalists of this year’s Solve IT

This year's #Solve_IT 2023 competition in #Ethiopia has commenced across six cities with over 2,000 registrations. Partnerships with the #US_Embassy and #Dashen_Bank have enabled the competition to reach universities, colleges, and TVET students and graduates.

The aim is to decentralize technology, foster innovation, and support young entrepreneurs to address local community challenges.

The #Bootcamp phase is currently underway, and the ultimate winners will receive a prize of one million birr.

https://addisstandard.com/innovation-12-outstanding-projects-emerge-as-finalists-of-this-years-solve-it/

#Ethiopia expects $100 million revenue from carbon sales by 2030

Ethiopia's top forestry official has disclosed that the country is projected to earn $100 million from carbon sales by 2030. This revenue will be generated through international payments for carbon sales, as well as through forest protection and development efforts and initiatives to reduce carbon emissions.

Dr. Yetebetu Moges, the National Coordinator of Ethiopia's forestry sector's "Red Plus" program, also emphasized the significant accomplishments in forestry work over the past decade. Notably, payments received from esteemed organizations such as the #World_Bank and Norway have contributed to the revenue, with a total of $150 million earned thus far.

https://press.et/?p=112420

#Ethiopia makes strides in combating human trafficking, illegal migration

The Office of the National Coalition for Migration Cooperation has announced significant progress in the fight against human trafficking. According to Abraham Ayalew, the Office's head, more than 20 major suspects have been charged, with over 630 pending cases currently in court.

Ayalew further explained that last year, 20 prominent suspects were also charged and are currently undergoing trial. These individuals are accused of playing a significant role in a human trafficking network that stretches from southern Ethiopia to South Africa.

In recent years, Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers faced horrific circumstances, particularly when traveling to Middle East countries.

https://press.et/?p=112586

Ethiopian Airline denies maltreating Nigerians

#Ethiopian_Airlines has responded to allegations of mistreatment towards #Nigerian passengers transiting through #Addis_Abeba. CEO Mesfin Tasew clarified that while the airline has taken steps to educate passengers on Ethiopian regulations regarding the declaration of valuables upon arrival in the capital city, some passengers still refuse to comply.

Mesfin explained that transit passengers undergo security screening, during which checks are carried out by national security. Non-compliance with both national and international security practices can lead to detainment if passengers are found carrying drugs or unauthorized weapons.

The CEO also highlighted the issue of passengers carrying large amounts of cash or valuable items, stating that if they are transiting without entering Addis Abeba, there are no restrictions. However, if they are staying overnight or longer, regulations require declaring amounts exceeding $10,000 or gold beyond normal ornaments to customs.

https://sunnewsonline.com/ethiopian-airline-denies-maltreating-nigerians/

#Ethiopia initiates soil fertilizer transportation for the next cultivation season

The transportation of soil fertilizer for Ethiopia's dry season cultivation, known as "Bega," has begun, according to Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise (#ESLSE). The first shipment, loaded with soil fertilizer for the upcoming cultivation season, arrived at the Port of Djibouti yesterday.

The vessel, called Omorfi Majuro, carried an initial cargo of 51,420 metric tons of urea soil fertilizer for the upcoming crop cultivation season. The fertilizer was loaded from the Port of Adabiya in #Egypt and arrived at the Société Djiboutienne Terminal Vracier (SDTV) port in #Djibouti last night. ESLSE also announced that the transportation of the soil fertilizer into Ethiopia will start today.

https://www.fanabc.com/english/transportation-of-soil-fertilizer-for-upcoming-cultivation-season-underway/

#Ethiopia: Why over one million IDPs in #Tigray still linger in camps a year after peace deal

With the one-year anniversary of the #Pretoria Peace Agreement approaching, many people are still enduring challenging conditions and food shortages. According to the #UN, over one million individuals remain internally displaced as a result of the #Tigray war, seeking refuge in camps scattered throughout the region.

A collaborative study conducted by the Tigray Health Bureau, Tigray Health Research Institute, and #Mekelle University has revealed that within just nine districts in Tigray, an alarming 1,329 people have died from hunger. Shockingly, starvation now accounts for 68.3% of the deaths in the region. This mostly occurs within the IDP camps, where fundamental necessities such as food, water, and healthcare are lacking. Despite the UN's efforts, around 1.5 million #IDPs have been unable to return to their homes.

One woman named Abrehet Gebre (pseudonym used for safety) courageously shared her traumatic ordeal, recounting the murder of her daughter, experiencing gang rape, and being compelled to flee with her children. She continues to suffer both physically and mentally. While some IDPs are hindered by security concerns, others, like Abrehet, fear the psychological impact of the violence if they were to return.

https://addisstandard.com/analysis-why-over-one-million-idps-in-tigray-still-linger-in-camps-a-year-after-peace-deal/

#Ethiopia: Rights commission reveals disturbing sexual violence in #Amhara conflict, more than 200 cases of rape exposed

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (#EHRC) has released a troubling report revealing widespread sexual violence and human rights violations in the Amhara region. Since July 2021, over 200 cases of rape have been registered at health facilities, involving displaced women and health workers.

The report also highlights civilian deaths and various human rights abuses throughout the ongoing conflict in Amhara. The EHRC calls for an immediate end to these deplorable violations by all parties involved. The conflict, which began in July 2023, has resulted in civilian casualties caused by heavy artillery and aerial bombings across the region. Control over cities and towns in Amhara has continuously shifted between government forces and the non-state militia known as Fano.

The report also highlights the displacement of thousands of residents, inadequate humanitarian assistance, extrajudicial killings by government security forces, and damage to civilian property and infrastructure. The EHRC emphasizes the need for accountability, protection of civilians, and timely humanitarian assistance.

https://addisstandard.com/news-rights-commission-reveals-disturbing-sexual-violence-in-amhara-conflict-more-than-200-cases-of-rape-exposed/

'War Brings Only Horror and...': WHO chief recalls painful childhood amid Israel-Hamas war

The World Health Organization (#WHO) Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made a heartfelt plea for peace and unity as he recalled his own painful experiences of war during his upbringing in #Ethiopia. In light of the ongoing conflict between #Israel and #Hamas, the WHO has called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ensure the safe delivery of vital aid, including food and medical supplies, into the #Gaza_Strip.

Tedros emphasized on X, formerly Twitter, the devastating consequences of war, stating that it only brings destruction and horror. He expressed deep empathy for those affected by the conflict and urged global leaders to rise above divisions and unite for peace. Israel has heavily bombarded Gaza since the Hamas attack on 7 October, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, including many children.

Having experienced war as a child himself, Tedros shared his hope that peace will prevail and prevent anyone else from experiencing the horrors of conflict.

https://english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2023/10/30/WHO-chief-recalls-own-war-child-past-in-Ethiopia-in-peace-plea