A bold call for action: Protecting human rights and democracy in the face of misconceptions.
In a recent gathering of regional human rights bodies, a critical issue was brought to light: the misinterpretation of their mandate by governments. This misinterpretation poses a significant threat to peace and democracy across the member states of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD).
The third IGAD Governance Forum, a two-day event in Addis Ababa, united key players from the Horn of Africa. Their mission? To strengthen institutions, promote inclusivity, and hold them accountable for sustaining peace and democracy in the region. The forum's theme, 'Democratic Institutions as Instruments for Peace and Resilience', explored the crucial roles of national human rights institutions, anti-corruption bodies, and independent media.
Abdi Jibril, a commissioner from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, shed light on the challenges of maintaining independence. He highlighted how national commissions, despite their impartial nature, face criticism from both government supporters and opposition groups. The lack of understanding among executive and judicial branches about the role of these commissions is a major hurdle, Abdi emphasized.
But here's where it gets controversial: governments often perceive oversight as opposition or an attempt to delegitimize their leadership. This perception, as highlighted by Eden Taye Tefera from the UN Human Rights Office, leads to a failure in recognizing human rights violations as risk factors for conflict.
"Serious violations can ignite violence and instability if left unaddressed," Eden warned. She stressed the importance of understanding the unique dynamics of each conflict, including its causes, impacts, and the vulnerabilities of affected communities. "We must foster dialogue and reconciliation, not emotions or polarization."
A representative from Somalia's anti-corruption agency echoed this sentiment, urging the use of neutral language to promote understanding and institutional independence. "Good governance principles and precautionary measures are essential to overcoming human rights violations and ensuring public safety."
Abebe Muluneh, director of IGAD's Peace and Security division, emphasized the broader impact: "Strengthening democratic institutions is not just a political task; it's a peacebuilding strategy that anchors stability across the region."
However, the forum's timing is significant, as international observers warn of a shrinking civic space in Ethiopia. Lensa Biyane, a lawyer and advocate, notes that repression has evolved beyond open arrests and law changes. Today, it's carried out through digital surveillance and new government tactics, such as selectively amending repressive laws.
"Many activists are forced into exile due to their public stance," Lensa observed. She recommends that civil society organizations adopt tactical approaches to resist these pressures and develop mechanisms to challenge these tactics.
"While we discuss here, journalists and civil society organizations face exile and arrest," Lensa reminded the forum.
This gathering of regional human rights bodies sends a powerful message: the need for accurate understanding and support for democratic institutions to ensure peace and democracy.
