Ethiopia’s Election to UN Human Rights Council: A Paradox of Human Rights and Politics
Ethiopia’s election to the 47-member United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2025-2027 term has sparked debate and raised questions about the country’s human rights record and its role in promoting human rights globally. This is Ethiopia’s third stint on the Council, following its previous memberships from 2013-2015 and 2016-2018.
The election has highlighted a series of paradoxes that reflect the complex interplay between global governance, human rights standards, and national realities. On one hand, Ethiopia’s membership in the UNHRC signifies an acknowledgment of its potential role in promoting human rights at the international level. On the other hand, it raises questions about the implications of this choice for Ethiopia and the global human rights landscape, given the country’s ongoing human rights challenges and internal conflicts.
At the core of the paradox lies the stark disjunction between Ethiopia’s membership in a body dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights and its actual human rights record, which has been checkered for decades. The country has faced accusations of severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate imprisonments, and mass displacements. Critics argue that Ethiopia’s election undermines the credibility of the UNHRC, suggesting that the body is prioritizing political considerations over the mandates of human rights protection.
Ethiopia’s election to the UNHRC can also be seen through the lens of agency and national image. For the Ethiopian government, obtaining a seat on the Council can enhance its international standing and image. However, this agency does not readily translate into positive changes on the ground. The country’s ongoing human rights violations threaten to erode any gains made through its UNHRC membership, and its ability to influence human rights discussions and strategies within the Council may be hindered by its lack of legitimacy stemming from the dissonance between its self-representation and its human rights situation.
The election also raises crucial questions about the concepts of responsibility and accountability. As a member state, Ethiopia bears the responsibility to uphold and promote human rights, not only domestically but also as part of its engagement with other nations. However, accountability remains a significant challenge, with the government’s response to international calls for investigations into human rights violations often being dismissive or obstructive.
In conclusion, Ethiopia’s election to the UNHRC embodies a complex array of paradoxes that reflect the challenges inherent in the global human rights framework. The country’s human rights record and its role in promoting human rights globally are crucial considerations in this context. As Ethiopia navigates its responsibilities as a UNHRC member, it faces pressure to demonstrate a genuine commitment to human rights improvement within its borders. Its election serves as a valuable reminder that politics and human rights often intersect in complicated ways, necessitating continuous discussions about the true meaning of human rights advocacy in an increasingly interconnected world.