By STAFF WRITER
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have urged Ethiopian lawmakers to reject proposed amendments to the country’s civil society law, warning that the changes would severely restrict the operations of non-governmental organisations and undermine democratic reforms.
The draft legislation, which is expected to be introduced in parliament in the coming weeks, would grant sweeping powers to federal authorities to deny foreign funding to civil society groups working on issues such as good governance, human rights, and elections.
The amendments would also empower government agencies to register, suspend, or dissolve civil society organisations without the need for a court order, and without providing a right of appeal.
Critics say the provisions, justified on broad and undefined grounds of “national security”, would mark a return to the repressive tactics employed during previous regimes, particularly under the 2009 Charities and Societies Proclamation, which severely curtailed civil liberties until its revision in 2019.
“The proposed amendments to Ethiopia’s civil society law undermine the reforms announced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government,” said Leticia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “Adopting these amendments would be devastating for the country’s civil society and civic environment.”
Amnesty International echoed the concern, urging Ethiopia’s international partners to pressure the government to ensure that any legislative reforms align with international human rights obligations. The organisation warned that these changes, if enacted, could signal a deeper regression in democratic governance and accountability.
The 2019 revision of the civil society law had been hailed as a turning point in Ethiopia’s political opening, allowing both domestic and international NGOs to operate with greater freedom after years of suppression. The new amendments, analysts say, threaten to reverse much of that progress.
Ethiopia’s civil society sector played a key role in the country’s democratic transition and peace processes, including the 2021 elections and national dialogues. Many groups also serve as watchdogs and service providers, particularly in areas affected by conflict, poverty, and displacement.
The loss of operational space and funding for such organisations would have significant humanitarian and political consequences.
“Civil society groups are essential to democratic development, transparency, and social accountability,” said a regional legal expert familiar with the proposed bill. “Targeting them through legislation weakens the rule of law and public trust in government institutions.”
The government has yet to issue a detailed response to the criticism, though some officials have suggested that the amendments are necessary to protect national sovereignty and curb foreign interference.
Rights groups have called for the Ethiopian parliament to hold inclusive consultations with civil society actors before proceeding with any changes to the law. They warn that failure to do so would not only damage the country’s international image but also risk alienating crucial development partners and aid agencies.
As the bill advances toward parliamentary debate, observers say the next steps taken by lawmakers will be a critical test of the Ethiopian government’s stated commitment to democratic reform, transparency, and civic engagement.