In Ethiopia, where protests began one year ago in the Oromia region, there has been no international, independent, and impartial investigation into allegations of excessive and lethal use of force by security forces. Since November 2015, protests have taken place across several regions of the country and rights groups report that security forces have killed at least 800 demonstrators and arrested tens of thousands. Civil liberties have become increasingly restricted under a recently imposed state of emergency and mobile internet services only resumed on 2 December after being suspended for two months.

 

Although the ACHPR took steps to address two of the most pressing crises in the East and Horn of Africa, we must continue to demand action and accountability for other critical and protracted human rights crises that risk being forgotten. Over the past month, security forces in Sudan have cracked down on activists following public disobedience activities including strikes and protests against the government’s decision to raise the price of fuel, medicine, and electricity.

 

Doctors, journalists, and protesters have faced continued violations of their right to peacefully assemble and express themselves, including through arbitrary arrest and detention and charges of disruption of public peace and public nuisance. Most recently, during three days of civil disobedience observed between 27 and 29 November, over twenty activists were arrested, the print runs of four newspapers were confiscated, andOmdurman TVwas ordered to shut off its transmission. Meanwhile, ten human rights defenders (HRDs) associated with the Karthoum-based TRACKs for Training and Human Development are still on trial for their work, with little evidence that the proceedings meet international and regional human rights standards.

 

As we prepare to celebrate the work of activists worldwide on International Human Right Defenders Day on 9 December, the need for recognition of the systemic and multi-faceted challenges facing human rights defenders has never been greater. While regional human rights mechanisms, such as the ACHPR, offer a welcome opportunity to shine light on these worsening human rights crises, they remain dependent on the cooperation and political will of governments to implement their recommendations and resolutions. Yet in the sub-region governments continue to flout their regional and international obligations and allow a culture of impunity to prevail. Until this changes, DefendDefenders will continue to support and protect HRDs under threat, and raise their voices at every opportunity we get.

 

Yours in solidarity,

 

Hassan Shire