Ethiopia - UN Expert Praises Reforms but Warns of Short-Term Steps That Could Undermine Progress

Geneva / Addis Ababa — "Less than two years ago, Ethiopia's human rights record was atrocious, repressing civil society, crushing independent media, and jailing journalists and activists," said David Kaye, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, in a preliminary statement at the end of his week-long mission. Kaye was the first mandate holder of the Human Rights Council's Special Procedures system to visit Ethiopia since 2006.

Only 18 months ago Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed - who will receive the Nobel Peace Prize on 10 December - initiated change by ending the state of emergency, freeing journalists and human rights defenders, opening up civil society and launching a reform process, Kaye said.

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