Consultations on Transitional Justice Policy Options in Oromia Region concludes

Addis Ababa, June 2, 2023 (FBC) – The Government of Ethiopia is convinced that implementing transitional justice will be critical in building a political order anchored on sustainable peace, democracy and justice, the Ministry of Justice said in a statement.

The Ministry explained that the Government has initiated various intertwined measures to ensure that a transitional justice process is designed and implemented in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

“To this end, the Ministry of Justice of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has established the ‘Transitional Justice Working Group of Experts’ – which had since developed the ‘Policy Options for Transitional Justice in Ethiopia’. The high-level inaugural event of the national consultations was organized in Addis Ababa on 6 March 2023.” The stamen by the Ministry indicates.

A follow up, regional consultations have been scheduled to be held from April-August 2023 in more than fifty-eight towns – across the country, the Ministry of Justice said.

“The first local chapter of the public consultations was conducted successfully and peacefully in twelve towns of the Oromia region; Adama, Chiro, Assela, Shashemene, Bale-Robe, Bule-Hora, Adola, Wolliso, Ambo, Jimma, Mettu and Nekempt from 24 April – 13 May 2023, the Ministry indicated.

Consultation participants, including victims of human rights violations, religious and community leaders, civil society representatives, youth and women representatives, and other persons representing the voices of varied stakeholders – were carefully identified, selected and invited through an impartial screening process – which also took account of the objectives of the consultations.

“The participants were able to debate in the proceedings freely and proactively – and involve in intensive deliberations on each pillar of the policy options presented by the Working Group of Experts. They also offered critical ideas that reinforce the contents of the policy options document and also present alternative approaches.”

“The level of substantive engagement and enthusiastic display of process ownership demonstrated by the participants was highly reassuring. The fact that the participants had not only hailed from host towns and distantly located woredas, but also attended full-house and expended more than the allocated time to zealously deliberate on each of the issues – has showcased the level of confidence the public has placed on the policy development process. This deserves to be duly acknowledged and appreciated.”

The Working Group of Experts seizes this opportunity to express its earnest gratitude to all persons and entities who had contributed to the successful completion of the consultation processes in the region – including in the development of relevant documents, the selection of venues and participants, and preparation of logistics and finance.