November 11, 2024, The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Ethiopia to embrace recommendations that foster press freedom and protect journalists’ safety as the United Nations prepares to review the country’s human rights record. This review, part of the UN’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, allows member states to assess and advise on human rights practices within a particular country.
CPJ, an independent nonprofit advocating for journalists worldwide, submitted a detailed report on Ethiopia’s press freedom status from 2019 to date. Their findings highlight a troubling climate for media workers in Ethiopia, marked by arbitrary detentions, harassment, and legal restrictions that hinder journalists’ ability to report freely and safely. Notably, two journalists have been killed since the last UPR, with no credible investigations into their deaths.
The organization’s submission to the UN draws attention to a concerning pattern of arrests and detention without charge, particularly during Ethiopia’s recent Tigray civil war. At least 63 journalists were detained over this period, many accused without evidence of anti-state activities or ties to rebel forces. Ethiopia ranks among the top three worst jailers of journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to CPJ’s data.
The CPJ report includes specific recommendations for Ethiopia, urging the government to:
- Release Journalists Detained for Their Work: Many journalists remain behind bars due to ambiguous charges. CPJ emphasizes that journalists should not be punished for fulfilling their duties to inform the public.
- Amend Restrictive Media Laws: Although Ethiopia has reformed its media and anti-terror laws, provisions within these laws are often used to silence journalists and justify expulsions. CPJ recommends updating these laws to meet international standards on freedom of expression.
- Investigate and Address Attacks on Journalists: CPJ advocates for thorough, impartial investigations into incidents of violence against journalists, including the deaths of two prominent figures in 2021, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
- End the Weaponization of Accreditation Processes: CPJ condemns the use of journalist accreditation requirements to suppress reporting, pointing to cases where Ethiopian authorities have withdrawn permits from international journalists without clear grounds.
During the UPR, set for November 12, Ethiopia’s peers on the UN Human Rights Council will review these findings and recommend actions to strengthen press freedom. The UPR is a crucial opportunity for Ethiopia to demonstrate its commitment to respecting the rights of journalists and creating a safer environment for free expression. CPJ’s full submission, available on their website, highlights the organization’s hope that Ethiopian authorities will take this opportunity to prioritize and protect press freedoms.
For CPJ and other advocates, a commitment from Ethiopia to respect and protect press freedoms would signify a significant step toward an open, transparent society. As Ethiopia prepares for this review, international eyes are on its leadership, hoping for meaningful change in support of a free and independent press…
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