By United States Department of State • Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

Ethiopia is grappling with a severe human rights crisis as conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions between government forces and local militias intensify. The government declared a state of emergency in August, leading to widespread reports of violations, including extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions.

In the Amhara region, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) clashed with the Fano militia. Government counterinsurgency campaigns have resulted in numerous unlawful killings, including civilian deaths, enforced disappearances, and torture. In Benishangul-Gumuz and Gambella regions, similar reports of violence have emerged.

Human Rights Violations The Ethiopia Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and international organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have documented severe human rights abuses. These include arbitrary or unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and torture by government forces. Prison conditions remain harsh, with life-threatening overcrowding and inadequate facilities. Arbitrary arrests and detentions, including political prisoners, are prevalent.

Freedom of expression and media freedom are severely restricted, with violence and threats against journalists, censorship, and unjustified arrests. Internet freedom is also compromised, as the government blocked internet services in parts of the Amhara region and suspended telecom services where fighting was reported.

Recent Incidents On August 18, Amnesty International reported that ENDF airstrikes led to mass killings in Finote Selam, Bahir Dar, and Shewa Robit. Reuters noted that on September 3, after two weeks of fighting in Majete, ENDF members conducted house-to-house searches, killing around two dozen civilians, including children and the elderly.

The EHRC highlighted “seriously concerning” extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions in the Amhara region, with the ENDF implicated in civilian deaths and detentions from July 31 to September 9 in nine towns. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk reported over 200 deaths following the state of emergency declaration in Amhara.

Disappearances and Torture There have been increased reports of enforced disappearances, particularly of individuals critical of the government, including political commentators and journalists. On June 5, the EHRC called for the government to disclose the whereabouts of detainees and present credible evidence in court.

The EHRC’s annual report revealed that federal and regional security forces have detained individuals from their homes and workplaces, often keeping them in incommunicado detention at undisclosed locations. The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) and other human rights organizations have documented instances of torture by government forces, which remain largely unaddressed despite legal prohibitions.

Arbitrary Arrests and Detentions The state of emergency led to mass detentions, with thousands of ethnic Amhara and Oromo detained arbitrarily. Makeshift detention centres were established in warehouses, schools, and private residences to accommodate the growing number of detainees. Reports indicated that many detainees were arrested without court orders or formal investigations, and some remained in detention despite court orders for their release.

Calls for Accountability The government has made limited efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. While some lower-level officers have been prosecuted, many cases of abuse remain unaddressed. International bodies and local human rights organizations continue to call for independent investigations and greater transparency.

Conclusion Ethiopia’s human rights situation remains dire, with ongoing conflicts exacerbating the suffering of civilians. The international community and human rights organizations are urging the Ethiopian government to take meaningful steps to address these abuses, ensure accountability, and protect the rights of its citizens.Read the complete report 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Ethiopia