The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced the lifting of the suspension on four prominent civil society organizations (CSOs) by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO). Among the organizations reinstated are the Center for the Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD), the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), and others. EHRC praised the “successful” advocacy efforts that led to the reversal of ACSO’s decision, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving such issues.
In November 2024, ACSO suspended these groups on the grounds of alleged involvement in activities deemed contrary to national interests and lacking political neutrality. Although the suspension was briefly lifted in December 2024, the organizations were once again suspended, alongside the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC).
Following its investigation into the matter, the EHRC raised concerns regarding the impact of these suspensions on the organizations’ rights, urging ACSO to expedite its inquiry while ensuring the protection of civic freedoms. EHRC called for more dialogue-oriented solutions, advocating for a balance between human rights protection and national interests.
The decision marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to protect civil society organizations’ right to operate freely within Ethiopia.
