Ethiopia

The apparatus of censorship in Ethiopia is vast and freedom of expression is seriously restricted, particularly during general elections and protests. In August 2017, the government finally lifted a 10 month state of emergency, which had given them broad powers to restrict rights following protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions in 2016. Both regions have seen serious crackdowns on the right to free expression and protest, as the government has sought to silence dissent through the use of excessive force to quell protests. Free expression by political activists, opposition members, human rights defenders and journalists remains severely restricted, and they frequently face threats, arbitrary detention and criminal charges. The government also engages in surveillance of dissidents, as well as blocking websites and social media platforms and at certain points implementing internet shutdowns.

A number of restrictive laws, particularly the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, Computer Crime Proclamation, and the Charities and Societies Proclamation are frequently used in these efforts to repress free expression.

ARTICLE 19 works to highlight violations in the country through engagement with both UN and African Union bodies and mechanisms, and advocates for the repeal of these type of repressive laws. We campaign for the release of bloggers, journalists and human rights defenders, and monitor digital threats and surveillance tactics.

HRC44: Cease Internet shutdowns during protest
10.07.2020 2 min read

HRC44: Cease Internet shutdowns during protest

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Ethiopia: Killing of protesters must be investigated
02.07.2020 3 min read

Ethiopia: Killing of protesters must be investigated

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Ethiopia: Government should guarantee Internet access and access to information during coronavirus pandemic
01.04.2020 5 min read

Ethiopia: Government should guarantee Internet access and access to information during coronavirus pandemic

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28.11.2019 2 min read

Ethiopia: Analysis of draft law on hate speech and false information

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12.12.2018 1 min read

Ethiopia: Joint UPR finds civic space remains constricted

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12.07.2018 4 min read

Ethiopia & Eritrea: End to conflict must be first step to wider human rights reforms

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29.03.2018 6 min read

Ethiopia: Joint civil society letter on recent arrests of journalists and human rights defenders

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Ethiopia: Prisoner release must be followed by wider reforms and free expression protections
09.01.2018 2 min read

Ethiopia: Prisoner release must be followed by wider reforms and free expression protections

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11.06.2017 5 min read

Ethiopia: Third Internet shutdown follows imprisonment of two human rights activists

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