On 25 June the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect joined Physicians for Human Rights, Legal Action Worldwide and other civil society organizations in hosting this event on the ongoing human rights crises in Ethiopia on the sidelines of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council.

Over the past decade, Ethiopia has faced escalating human rights and humanitarian crises marked by widespread violence, repression and impunity. In the Amhara region, conflict continues, alongside the targeting of ethnic Amharas by federal forces. In Tigray, communities continue to endure occupation, a humanitarian emergency and a lack of accountability for mass atrocities. Across Oromia, civilians face ongoing violence, coercive military conscription and systematic repression. These abuses are occurring amid intensified restrictions on independent scrutiny, including attacks on the media and civil society, and persistent impunity for past and ongoing violations.

Against this backdrop, the side event centered the perspectives and experiences of affected communities and examine how formal peace agreements have failed to end violence, displacement, persecution or systemic suffering. At a time when international attention has shifted amid competing global crises, speakers shared findings from recent and forthcoming reporting documenting patterns of violations and abuses, including targeted attacks on civilians, widespread conflict-related sexual and reproductive violence, arbitrary detention, attacks on healthcare, restrictions on civic space and the obstruction of humanitarian assistance.

The discussion also assessed Ethiopia’s human rights landscape nearly three years after the termination of the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE). Participants examined the implications for survivor-centered accountability and justice, civilian protection and atrocity prevention, while exploring how UN member states, HRC mechanisms and regional actors can strengthen engagement on Ethiopia through the Council and other multilateral fora.