ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopia is undertaking an independent transitional justice process aimed at reconciling its history of human rights abuses and political conflicts. The initiative seeks to create a framework that not only addresses past transgressions but also promotes national reconciliation and democratic reforms.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Ethiopia’s State Minister of Justice, the government is committed to an impartial transitional justice system that avoids external interventions and ensures professional integrity. This comprehensive approach includes both judicial and non-judicial measures to provide accountability, redress for victims, and establish a foundation for a more equitable society. Past efforts have often fallen short, lacking a cohesive application of principles like truth, reconciliation, and justice.
The new Transitional Justice Policy, developed through extensive public consultations involving over 60 workshops nationwide, reflects a broad-based commitment to address the unique challenges facing Ethiopia. A multidisciplinary panel of ten experts from academia, the legal profession, and other fields has been instrumental in crafting this policy, which has been endorsed by the council of ministers.
A central element of the policy is the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission to systematically investigate human rights violations and identify perpetrators. This process is crucial for acknowledging victims’ suffering and confronting Ethiopia’s troubled past. In line with global best practices yet tailored to local conditions, the policy also plans for the establishment of special legal institutions, including a dedicated attorney general’s office and special courts to oversee the justice processes.
The framework emphasizes the importance of reparations and victim support, which may include compensation, rehabilitation services, and symbolic acts like official apologies or memorials. These steps are vital for healing and societal cohesion, which are essential for sustainable economic development.
Institutional reforms will be a key focus, aiming to vet public officials, provide human rights training, and set up independent oversight mechanisms to prevent future abuses and restore public trust in government institutions. The policy also advocates for community-based reconciliation efforts, leveraging Ethiopia’s traditional conflict resolution mechanisms to enhance grassroots involvement and empower marginalized communities.
A detailed roadmap for the implementation of this policy is already drafted, outlining specific activities related to accountability, amnesty, reparations, and institutional reforms, including the integration of customary justice systems and defining the roles of federal and regional states.
As Ethiopia moves forward with this ambitious transitional justice process, it calls for collaboration from the international community, civil society, and its own citizens to ensure the process is inclusive, transparent, and centered on the victims’ needs. The State Minister expressed hopes that this initiative will lead to lasting peace, accountability, and a more stable and prosperous future for Ethiopia.