NEWS RELEASE

Wednesday, May 26, 1999

UN LAUDS ETHIOPIAN EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has lauded the progress that Ethiopia has made so far to establish a Human Rights Commission and Ombudsman.

A special advisor on national institutions with the UN Commission, Brian Burdekin, said in Addis Ababa that the government of Ethiopia ‘has demonstrated both transparency and willingness to consult and tremendous openness to ideas within the country and outside on the establishment of the institutions.’

The process has involved consultations at local, regional and federal levels, and has incorporated the participation of members of the parliament, civil society, the academic community, representatives of non-governmental organisations and the general public. ‘This transparent and comprehensive process is extremely encouraging and sets a good example to other African countries,’ Mr. Burdekin commented.

He also noted that the UN High Commission and the international community attach great significance to Ethiopia’s initiatives to establish the Commission and the Ombudsman.