Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement593

Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 19th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Ethiopia

Statement by Australia

6 May 2014


Australia congratulates Ethiopia’s Parliament for ratifying the first National Human Rights Action Plan in 2013 and recommends that Ethiopia implement and monitor its Plan, enabling civil society organisations to participate in the process.

Australia recommends that Ethiopia implement fully its 1995 Constitution, including the freedoms of association, expression and assembly for independent political parties, ethnic and religious groups and non-government organisations.

Australia recommends that Ethiopia amend the Charities and Societies Proclamation to facilitate the effective operation and financing of non-government organisations.

Australia is concerned that journalists continue to be detained under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation and recommends the definition of terrorist activity be narrowed in line with international practice to exclude journalism.