Limitations of the international commission of human rights experts in Ethiopia and its effects on the Oromo population

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Date
2023-03-31
Authors
Abdushekur, Sabbontu
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Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the limitations of the International Commission on Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE). Due to lack of sufficient resources, the ICHREE was not able to fully satisfy its mandate in “conducting thorough and impartial investigations into alleged violations and abuses of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL) committed by all parties to the conflict in Ethiopia since November of 2020” (Human Rights Council, 2022). This has resulted in catalogue of possible IHL and IHRL violations in Oromia to go unnoticed including the arbitrary deprivation of life by airstrike targeting civilian populations, extrajudicial killings, massacres and public executions. Also, the possible enforced disappearance and torture, cruel and inhuman treatment of Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) detainees. The lack of investigations into the Oromia region has also hindered avenues for accountability under international criminal law, specifically in terms of crimes against humanity. As avenues for accountability under Ethiopia’s domestic law lacks the criminalization of crimes against humanity, it imperative that the ICHREE provide independent and impartial investigations into the atrocities committed in the Oromia region as under domestic law they would be considered as “ordinary” offences. Ultimately, this will ensure accountability and justice for victims of possible serious violations of IHL and IHLR in the Oromia region and assist in transitional justice measures.

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international humanitarian law, international human rights law, commissions of inquiry in Africa, Oromia, Oromo
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