Ethiopian delegation Meets with UN Human Rights Chief

Horndiplomat-Ethiopian Dr. Gedion and Timotheos, Deputy Attorney General of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia accompanied by Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Geneva and other International Organisations in Switzerland had a meeting with Ms. Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The delegation briefed the High Commissioner on the various reforms that have been undertaken in the last one year in Ethiopia. The delegation emphasized that improving the human rights situation in the country is a priority for the Government and these comprehensive reforms aim not only at addressing the challenges surrounding the promotion and protection of human rights but also ensure their compatibility with international human rights instruments.

The delegation also briefed the High Commissioner on the ongoing reforms in Ethiopia and recounted measures taken by the Government since Dr. Abiy Ahmed has assumed power emphasizing those critical measures including the widening of political and democratic space, the release of political prisoners, journalists and bloggers, the return of all oppositions who were in exile, the revision of civil society and other laws and the normalization of relations with Eritrea.

Ms. Bachelet, on her part, thanked the delegation for the briefing and said she is encouraged by these reforms.

She also thanked the Government for allowing access to special procedures who requested to visit Ethiopia and expressed the readiness of her Office to continue to support the efforts of the Government in the promotion and protection of human rights in Ethiopia.