STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 52nd Session.
Item 4 - Interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
Check against delivery
21 March 2023
President,
The Nordic and Baltic countries thank the International Commission of Human Rights Experts for the briefing and for your valuable contribution. We are glad to see progress on the implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of 2 November 2022 and the Agreement from the Senior Commanders Meeting 12 November.
Accountability and transitional justice must remain at the core of the peace process. We welcome the announcement by the Ethiopian Minister of Justice that the OHCHR will deploy human rights monitors to the conflict-affected areas in northern Ethiopia. Furthermore, we welcome the commitment by Ethiopia to implement a comprehensive national transitional justice policy. Cooperation with national and international human rights mechanisms on accountability and transitional justice is essential.
Independent and credible documentation, investigation and prosecution of reported violations and abuses of international human rights law and violations of international humanitarian law are crucial for the victims and their communities and fundamental to ensure lasting reconciliation, peace and stability.
In the Commission’s view, how can we best engage with the Government of Ethiopia and all stakeholders to achieve this?
Thank you.