Parliament Appoints New Commissioners to Strengthen Ethiopia’s Human Rights Body
The House of People’s Representatives has approved the appointment of four new commissioners to fill vacant positions at the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in a move aimed at strengthening the institution’s leadership and capacity.
Among those appointed is Dr. Mizane Abate, who will serve as Deputy Chief Commissioner. Dr. Mizane is a senior human rights scholar and assistant professor of human rights law at Addis Ababa University, with extensive experience in human rights monitoring, institutional reform, and legal education.
He has previously held several senior roles within the commission and most recently served as Senior Advisor on Strategic Affairs to the Chief Commissioner of the Institution of the Ethiopian Security and Community Oversight Mechanism (ISECOM), where he contributed to policy development and institutional strengthening.
The parliament also approved the appointment of Bedassa Lemesa Kebede as Commissioner for Human Rights Education and Training.
Bedassa brings extensive experience in human rights monitoring, investigation, and institutional leadership, having most recently served as Senior Director of Monitoring and Investigation at the EHRC.
Mohamed Ahmed Hassan has been appointed Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly.
With over 18 years of experience in the justice and human rights sectors, he previously served as Regional Director for Human Rights at the commission and as a judge at the Supreme Court of Afar Regional State.
In addition, Ashenafi Abebe has been appointed Commissioner for Women and Children’s Rights. She previously served as Vice President of the Federal First Instance Court and is recognized for her extensive experience in the justice sector as a judge, prosecutor, and legal practitioner.
Officials noted that Ashenafi has played a key role in promoting child-centered justice systems, including the establishment of child-friendly courts and advancing protections for women and children.
The new appointments are expected to enhance the commission’s efforts to promote and protect human rights across Ethiopia, particularly in areas such as education, inclusion, and justice sector reform.