Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
EHRC
Summary
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was established by Proclamation No. 210/2000 and significantly reformed by Proclamation No. 1224/2020. The Chief Commissioner is appointed by the House of Peoples' Representatives through a transparent public nomination process. The EHRC independently investigates human rights violations — including police brutality and prison conditions — and is authorized to visit police stations and prisons at any time without prior notice. It can order persons to appear and produce evidence but its findings are advisory rather than binding on law enforcement agencies. In 2022–2023 alone it visited 49 detention/correction facilities and 346 police stations.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Legislative appointment |
|---|---|
| Term length | 6 years |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | Yes |
| Compel testimony | Yes |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | Yes |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Establishment Proclamation, as amended
- Citation
- Proclamation No. 210/2000, as amended by Proclamation No. 1224/2020
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
National human rights body; investigates complaints of human rights violations by federal and regional executive organs, including police and corrections facilities. Has the right to visit police stations and prisons without prior notice. Issues recommendations; findings are not binding on the agency.