Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Ethiopian government of waging an “escalating crackdown” against civil society organizations, following the recent suspension of two prominent human rights groups.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC) were suspended by a government body in late December, raising concerns about the shrinking space for civil society in the country.
HRW condemned these actions, stating that the Ethiopian government is “intolerant of independent scrutiny.”
This move follows the suspension of three other rights groups in December, further highlighting the government’s increasing pressure on civil society organizations.
Ethiopia is currently grappling with multiple armed conflicts, particularly in the regions of Amhara and Oromia, where federal forces are engaged in clashes with armed militias. Both sides have been accused of human rights violations.
This crackdown on civil society organizations raises serious concerns about the shrinking space for dissent and the ability of independent voices to document and advocate for human rights in Ethiopia.