Since the signing of the Pretoria peace Agreement, Ethiopia has redoubled its efforts to consolidate peace in the country.
We have been using peaceful avenues to settle differences.
We have taken measures to ensure accountability and redress for violations of human rights.
However, we noted with profound regret that IGRI has not shown any inclination to recognise the tremendous progress registered in Ethiopia in the silencing of guns following an African Union LED and Ethiopian owned peace process.
Igri's report and findings, which had been compiled based on highly questionable methodological approaches and from very remote locations, have grossly mischaracterized the positive and widely acclaimed political developments in Ethiopia.
The report also contradicts the findings of the investigation conducted on the ground through the joint enterprise of the OHCHR and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
It is not surprising that IGRI has produced yet another substandard, professionally deficient and conspicuously political report that does a great disservice to the human rights cause.
After rejecting the government's multiple offers to cooperate and engage, ECRY chose to make political assessments and statements on matters that go far beyond its assumed competence.
It engaged in increased inflammatory rhetoric for no rational explanation.
Its report has a temerity to insinuate that some armed elements have support from communities.
President, ECRY was mandated to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into allegations of violations of human rights committed in the context of the conflict in North Ethiopia, yet it failed to adduce evidence that meets internationally accepted standards.
For the greater part, it relied on social media commentaries and partisan comments offered by asylum seekers into neighbouring countries with obvious motivations.
IGRESE report falls short of the guidance provided by the Council for mandate holders.
Ethiopia issued a state of emergency on 4th August 2023 for a limited duration to restore law and order to protect civilians, echoed negative and largely unsubstantiated commentaries that appeared on social media.
The state of emergency is monitored by a parliamentary established Inquiry Board.
The Board ensures that any force used must be necessary, proportionate and not abused and respects human rights standards.
Ethiopia has also provided and facilitated life saving humanitarian assistance and ensured unhindered access for humanitarian actors to support people affected by the conflict.
President, I am pleased to report to this Council that Ethiopia has successfully conducted nationwide consultations on options for the Transitional Justice Policy in Ethiopia.
ECRIS report cannot undermine this unprecedented national process.
The consultative process has been participatory and supported by OHCHR and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to ensure that it meets international standards.
There have also been consultations with civil society, including with women's rights associations and renowned international experts.
These consultations were conducted adopting gender sensitive approaches and in a manner that was broad based and inclusive of victims.
Once the Transitional Justice Policy is finalised and adopted in the coming few weeks, it is expected to complete comprehensively address all the alleged serious human rights violations.
As a preventive mechanism and at the invitation of Ethiopia, both the OHCHR and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission have deployed human rights monitors in the conflict affected areas.
Any findings from this deployment will be used by the government to take corrective and remedial measures.
President, the African Commission on Human and People's Rights has recognised these developments in Ethiopia and terminated the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on the Human Rights situation in Ethiopia.
The implementation of the Transitional Justice Policy will certainly use all available and credible information to ensure accountability through staling, healing and reconciliation in the country has increased.
Mandate 10 minutes With this final report, the Commission must hand over any relevant information to OHCHR for a potential examination by national bodies in the implementation of the Transitional Justice Policy.
This session concludes any consideration of Ethiopia before the Council.
Ethiopia will have the opportunity to update this body on relevant development through the UPR process.
Ethiopia looks forward to continuing working with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission and the OHCHR office in Addis Ababa in the implementation of the Transitional Justice policy.
The full version of this statement has been uploaded on extranet.
