Handy highlighted the importance of addressing past human rights violations and fostering national resilience. He mentioned actions implemented such as the establishment of special courts and prosecutors, amnesty and repatriation commissions for the truth, institutional reform and a law for the prevention and punishment of international crimes.
“All these efforts are a testament to the country’s commitment to these principles,” the specialist stressed, emphasizing basing the debates on Ethiopia’s traditions to ensure that the proposed solutions reflect the aspirations and values of the Ethiopian people. He also reaffirmed the ISS’s unwavering commitment to supporting the ongoing transitional justice process.
For her part, Minister of Justice Hana Arayaselassie outlined the experts’ contributions to the broader agenda of transitional justice and the willingness to share their knowledge to enrich legislation on the subject.
Referring to Ethiopia’s path towards establishing a political system anchored in justice, Arayaselassie described the creation process as exciting and complex, stressing its foundation on participatory, inclusive and victim-centred principles.
She considered the conference as a milestone on this path and, looking ahead, revealed the holding of public consultations and mobilization of resources to put the proposed institutions into operation.
The Vice President of the Federal Supreme Court, Abeba Embiale, recalled that Ethiopia’s Transitional Justice Policy, ratified last year, has as its main objective to address serious human rights violations and atrocity crimes committed in different eras. She also noted that contributing to the enrichment of this legal framework is a contribution to the peace-building process.
The Federal Supreme Court assumed the primary responsibilities of leading the process of drafting the proclamation establishing a special judicial body and persistent efforts are being made to achieve its successful implementation, Embiale said.
The international conference brought together local stakeholders and leading international transitional justice experts, academics and policymakers.
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