In October of 2018, the Advocates for Human Rights, in partnership with United Oromo Voices, submit a joint Stakeholder Report to the 33rd Session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review concerning Ethiopia’s compliance with its commitments from the Second Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review.
The report focuses on Ethiopia’s failure to prohibit torture, end arbitrary detention, secure basic civil liberties, adequately execute justice, and protect women and ethnic minorities from discrimination. Clients report experiences of torture and arbitrary arrest at the hands of the government for involvement in civil society work. People involved in the opposition also faced government persecution, including home abduction and interrogation. The report addresses the 2015 and 2016 states of emergency, which the government used as a pretext to arrest individuals without restrictions. Marginalized ethnic and political groups were disproportionately targeted. The government further suppressed dissent through the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation. Oromo-led NGOs were shut down based on dubious associations with the Oromo Liberation Front. Finally, the report addresses violence against women and members of minority groups. Gender-based violence, both domestic and in detention, are common. The Oromo people face continued threats of arbitrary confiscation of land and ethnic persecution.
The report suggests possible recommendations, including that the State party: