MoU with Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Election - CECOE
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) & The Coalition of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations for Election - CECOE have inked a Memorandum of Understanding to engage in the observation of the National Dialogue Process.
As per their agreement, the two sides will be working on making information readily available to the general public on the National Dialogue process and outcomes and providing regular feedback to the National Dialogue Commission on the dialogue process and outcomes in addition to observing that the national dialogue process and implementation are carried out in accordance with the relevant principles.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, ECSOC’s Executive Director, Henok Melesse expressed the Council’s commitment to working alongside the Coalition through demonstration of the transparent civil society sector.
Executive Director of the Coalition, Abera Hailemariam for his part underlined that the national dialogue process and implementation observation aims to contribute to the transparency and credibility of the national dialogue process. The two sides have agreed for the overall national dialogue observation to be guided by the principles of objectivity, transparency, accountability, and impartiality.
Handover of TJ policy brief input collection from CSOs
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) has officially handed over a Policy Brief to the Ethiopian Transitional Justice Working Group of Experts.
The policy brief is prepared based on input collected from civil society organizations regarding the draft Ethiopian transitional justice policy options with financial support from the USAID's Feteh (Justice) Activity in Ethiopia.
285 CSOs from different regions of the country have provided their input during the process.
The policy brief incorporates views on the potential contents of draft Transitional Justice (TJ) Policy options with the Working Group of Experts and provides recommendations for policy plan and implementation. During the handover ceremony, Chair of the Working Group of Experts, Tadesse Kassa (Ph.D.) appreciated the coordinated effort put into mobilizing input from the CSO sector in a first of its kind collaboration and encouraged all stake holders to follow suit.
Program & Development Director at ECSOC, Hana Woldegebrial, for her part stated that the Council is committed to strengthening its support and commended the collaborative efforts and good faith displayed by the Working Group of Experts to ensure successful process. Representing USAID's Feteh (Justice) Activity in Ethiopia, David de Giles appreciated efforts in incorporate the valuable input of the CSO sector in this National process.
Consultation workshop on connection with collaborations between CSOs and Private sector
A consultation forum in connection with collaborations between the private sector and the civil society sector has taken place on Friday April 28, 2023.
In his welcome note, Executive Director of theEthiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse underlined, "Civil society organizations are participating in various income generating activities as permitted by law to increase their financial capacity for development and humanitarian support work. In short, the institutional changes we see in both sectors indicate that one has penetrated into the other sector. This highlights the importance of cooperation and working together between the two sectors, and also confirms that it is essential to create clarity on the related institutional and legal framework issues.
Members from civil society organizations and the private sector as well as Social Entrepreneurs and company owners were present at the discussion and advised on the need for cooperation between the two sectors and the legal frameworks that should exist in the future.
In particular, the absence of law regarding social enterprises that operate with moderate profit and social responsibility as a center has been raised as a major challenge. The participants have underscored that collaborative work is vital in order to create this legal framework.
The contribution and cooperation of civil society organizations are vital in order to ensure the effective provision of humanitarian aid support and development in the Tigray region.
This comes as the leadership of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) made a two-day-long working visit to the Tigray region. The two bodies held a consultation with representatives of various civil society organizations in the region. The event was a platform for deliberations on how civil society organizations can fulfill their responsibilities to society within the necessary legal framework, and the challenges being faced with regard to efforts being made to restore the CSOs to their previous working statuses. Deliberations were also made in terms of possible solutions for the challenges being faced.
During their visit to Tigray, the Director General of the Authority, Jima Dilbo Denbel, and the Executive Director of the Council, Henok Melesse, also met with members of the Interim Administration of Tigray Regional State. During their talks, emphasis was made on the irreplaceable role of civil society organizations in the provision of humanitarian aid, democratization, and peacebuilding. On behalf of the interim administration of the region, General Tsadqan Gebregziabher said that civil society organizations need favorable conditions and an undeterred civic environment for their important work to be effective. He has also called on CSOs to continue their efforts in providing humanitarian support, peacebuilding, and development.
Similarly, the leadership of ECSOC and ACSO also visited the Sabakari Center for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as IDPs taking shelter in a school compound. The two have acknowledged that there is still more work to be done in the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance and rehabilitation work
Tripartite MoU (ACSO ECSOC HoF)
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) and the Authority of Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) have signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding that will enable them to work closely with the House of Federation (HoF).
The main objective of the agreement is to promote effective working relationship between the three institutions to promote democracy, rule of law, conflict resolution, peace building and human rights.
The tripartite agreement is believed to be crucial for the significant progress of the House of Federation and the civil society organizations sector.
In his speech following the signing ceremony, the Speaker of the HoF H.E. Agegnehew Teshager, stated the House of Federation is working with bodies that strive to ensure the interests of the people and the country, and working with civil society organizations is also part of its strategy.
Vice President of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Tinebeb Birhane, said, "Working together with the House of Federation Council is an encouraging step for the Civil Society Sector,” She added “The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council will continue to strengthen its efforts to fulfill its responsibility for the implementation and effectiveness of this memorandum of understanding."
Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations, Jima Dilbo Denbel, on his part, said that being able to sign the agreement to work together with the House of Federation, which has a great national responsibility, is one of the activities undertaken to create a comfortable environment for the civil society sector.
He underlined that the signing of the tripartite agreement to work together will take the CSO sector to a higher level.
The leadership of the three institutes and other invited guests have attended today’s MoU signing ceremony held here in Addis Abeba.
ECSOC Participation on CSOs conference organized by CSSP II
Over three hundred civil society organizations, development partners, government bodies and other relevant bodies participated in the two-day conference and forum for collaboration and marketplace between civil society and other sectors.
The forum was held under the theme "Toward a Better Civic Environment Opportunities and Challenges" and to promote participatory and meaningful participation to advise on civic participation policy and implementation, to create a communication platform for the government, development partners, civil society organizations, as well as researchers and in-depth discussion on other related topics. There was discussion and exchange of ideas.
The Council of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations also discussed the development contributions of the Civil Society Support Program at the sectorial level in the panel discussion. In addition, the Council, in cooperation with the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Authority, briefed the members and other parties who visited the marketplace on the two days regarding the Civil Society Organizations Week, which will be celebrated from next Wednesday.
The two-day forum was organized by the Civil Society Organizations Support Program Phase Two.
Consultation workshop with House of Federation representatives
The House of People's Representatives and the Civil Society Organizations sector have continued to strengthen their efforts to work closely together for the common good of the country. On May 27 the House of People's Representatives, the Authority of Civil Society Organizations, and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council had an in-depth deliberation on issues that allowed them to work together.
Speaking at the meeting held in Bishoftu town, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice at the House of Representatives, HE Etsgenet Mengestu, said that civil society organizations have an irreplaceable role in the construction of economic, social issues, justice, and democracy. She added that the approval of the House of People's Representatives and its implementation have made it possible to solve many problems.
Director General of the Authority of Civil Society Organizations, Jima Dilbo Denbel, said, "Unlike political parties and the business sector, civil society organizations played a significant role in the process of mobilizing and organizing society to ensure that citizens' rights were respected without compromising them." The Director General added that CSOs were expected to play a positive role in the success of the inclusive national consultation forum and transitional justice that had been started in our country so that lasting peace and strong institutions could be formed.
The President of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Dr. Nigussu Legesse, said, "Recently, the close cooperation of parliament and civil society organizations has become a key issue for democracy and development, and it greatly contributed to the realization of the prevailing democratic system.
The meeting between the House of Peoples Representatives, the Authority of Civil Society Organizations, and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council aimed at consulting on ways of close and effective collaboration between the HPR and the CSO sector. The discussion platform also served as a ground for exploring ways in which further developments were strengthened by having deep discussions regarding the relationship and partnership that the House of Representatives should have with the civil society sector.
CSOs and Academia’s Consultative Workshop
Civil society and intellectuals can play an important role in the process of democratic transition and reconciliation as promoters and supporters of democracy.
This was stated at the workshop held on May 2, 2023, on the topic entitled “Civil Society Organization & Academia Collaboration for Advancing Democratization & Human Rights in Ethiopia”.
In his opening speech, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse said: "Civil society organizations' cooperation with academics will increase the contribution towards democratic transition and consolidation by strengthening capacity and creating influence,” He added, “Scholars and civil society organizations have different strengths and knowledge, but cooperation between two creates a favorable environment to utilize each other's skills.”
Civil society and Academia share relatively common values and interests in the matter of building a democratic system and human rights.
Country Director of Freedom House, Dr. Shimeles Belet said, "The civil society and the intellectual community should develop in Ethiopia for a peaceful political transition as well as the creation of an environment and coalition where they can work closely and cooperate in activities that promote the respect of human rights. The practice of democracy should be given special emphasis.”
The Workshop was organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council in collaboration with Freedom House.
Transitional justice is an alternative where human rights violations can find a universal remedy.
This was said at a workshop aimed at gathering input from civil society organizations on the draft Ethiopian Transitional Justice Policy Options.
HoF and CSOs consultation workshop
The House of People's Representatives and the Civil Society Organizations sector continue to strengthen their efforts to work closely together for the common good of the country.
The House of People's Representatives, the Authority of Civil Society Organizations and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council have today had an in depth deliberations on issues that allow them to work together.
Speaking at the meeting held in Bishoftu town, the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Law and Justice at the House of Representatives, HE Esgenet Mengestu, said that civil society organizations have an irreplaceable role in the construction of economic, social issues, justice and democracy. She added that the approval of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and its implementation has made it possible to solve many problems.
Director General of the Authority of Civil Society Organizations Jima Dilbo Denbel, said, "Unlike political parties and the business sector, civil society organizations play a significant role in the process of mobilizing and organizing society to ensure that citizens' rights are respected without compromising them." The Director General added that CSOs are expected to play a positive role in the success of the inclusive national consultation forum and transitional justice that has been started in our country so that lasting peace and strong institutions can be formed.
The President of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Dr. Nigussu Legesse, said, "Recently, the close cooperation of parliament and civil society organizations has become a key issue for democracy and development and it will greatly contribute to the realization of the prevailing democratic system.
Today's meeting between the House of Peoples Representatives, the Authority of Civil Society Organizations and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council aimed at consulting on ways of close and effective collaboration between the HPR and the CSO sector. The discussion platform was also ground for exploring ways in which further developments will be strengthened by having a deep discussions in regards to the relationship and partnership that the House of Representatives should have with the civil society sector.
The discussion platform was organized with the financial support of the European Union CSF 3.
Consultation workshop Transitional Justice policy input collection at DESSIE & SEMERA
A discussion on gathering input from civil society organizations on the draft Ethiopia's transitional justice policy options document. The deliberation is taking place in Semera city of Afar and Desse city in Wollo.
The workshops are organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council with financial support from USAID’s Feteh (Justice) Activity. Representatives from local and international civil society organizations as well as other stakeholders are taking part in the deliberations of today’s workshops.
Consultation workshop on CSOs Role in Effective Humanitarian Aid and Development in Tigray
The contribution and cooperation of civil society organizations is vital in order to ensure effective provision of humanitarian aid support and development in the Tigray region.
This comes as the leadership of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) and the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) made a two-day-long working visit to Tigray region. The two bodies held a consultation with representatives of various civil society organizations in the region. The event was a platform for deliberations on how civil society organizations can fulfill their responsibilities to the society within the necessary legal framework, and the challenges being faced with regards to efforts being made to restore the CSOs to their previous working statuses. Deliberations were also made in terms of possible solutions for the challenges being faced.
During their visit to Tigray, Director General of the Authority, Jima Dilbo Denbel, and Executive Director of the Council, Henok Melesse, also met with members of the Interim Administration of Tigray Regional State. During their talks emphasis was made on the irreplaceable role of civil society organizations in the provision of humanitarian aid, democratization, and peace building. On behalf of the interim administration of the region, General Tsadqan Gebregziabher said that civil society organizations need favorable conditions and an undeterred civic environment for their important work to be effective. He has also called on CSOs to continue their efforts in providing humanitarian support, peace building and development.
Similarly, the leadership of ECSOC and ACSO also visited the Sabakari center for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as well as IDPs taking shelter in a school compound. The two
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) and the African Leadership Excellence Academy (AFLEX) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will enable them to work closely together.
The two sides signed the document on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the end of a research forum attended by more than 150 representatives of local and foreign civil society organizations.
According to the MoU, the two institutions will work to cover the gap in civil society organizations in the field of leadership, leadership transition and other related issues through training.
The agreement was signed by Henok, Executive Director of ECSOC, and Hiwot Alemayhu, Vice Chief of AFLEX.
More than 150 representatives of local and foreign civil society organizations at the research forum held the African Leadership Excellence Academy in Sululta Oromia region discussed the gap in leadership transition in the civil society sector, the role of civil society organizations in transitional justice, the role and challenges of civil society organizations in Ethiopia's national Dialogue. Research articles on other related issues were also presented and discussed widely.
Today's platform is organized through the collaboration between the ECSOC and AFLEX.
Academia's consultation on Draft Transitional Justice Policy Options
A round table discussion is underway with experts and academia in reference to the Draft Transitional Justice Policy Options. After being briefed on the content of the draft document, the participants are deliberating and offered their input. In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse, underscored that all stakeholders need to come together and collaborate to support the Transitional Justice Process which is one of the national peace-building tools. Today’s discussion platform is organized through the financial support of USAID’s Feteh (Justice) activity in Ethiopia.
Media tour media outlets to strengthen CSOs Sector
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) has called on Media outlets to strengthen their efforts into ensuring a deep understanding of the Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs) Sector.
Executive Director of ECSOC, Henok Melesse, made the call during an ongoing media tour in Eastern Ethiopia. The Executive Director said: “There are instances where the objectives of the media and civil society sector align so identifying these areas and working collaboratively for the greater good is expected of the two sectors.”
The visiting group also observed CSOs' work in the Somali Region in Jigjiga and its surroundings on the final day of the Media Tour.
“The works being done by the local and foreign CSOs are being undertaken to bring solutions to the challenges faced in society. As part of society, it is important for the media to work with the CSO sector with a sense of ownership. I call on the media to further develop the relationship forged during this tour and capture the true essence of the CSO sector to inform all sections of the nation of the works, challenges, and achievements of CSOs,” added Henok.
Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) Jima Dilbo for his part stated: “The authority will be working tirelessly to make sure that media and CSO engagement is sustainable and effective. We plan to build up on our experience from this media tour and create an effective collaborative platform between the two sectors.”
Members of the media partaking in the 5-day long media tour for their part have commended the initiative to organize the tour and have appreciated the awareness created during the trip which enabled them to witness what is being done by CSOs on the ground.
They have recommended that further cementing relations between the two sectors through partnership, providing CSOs content to the media, and hosting regular briefings among other mechanisms should be applied for a better understanding of the sector.
The media tour is organized through a collaboration between ECSOC and ACSO and through the financial support of the Civil Society Support Programme – 2 (CSSP-2)
Enhancing Participation of PWD in the National Dialogue in Ethiopia
The workshop entitled "Increasing the participation of people with disabilities in Ethiopia's national consultation" held today. The purpose of the forum is to advise on articles that should emphasize the participation of people with disabilities in national affairs.
They asked to believe that people with disabilities can contribute significantly to politics and other national issues.
He said that the participants of the meeting should be made to contribute to the national consultation forums, not only for the purpose of involving the disabled, but also considering their abilities and skills.
In his opening speech, the Director General of the Council of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, Mr. Henok Melesse, emphasized that people with disabilities should contribute significantly by participating in national consultation forums.
The Minister of State for Peace, Taye Dendea, on his part, said that apart from involving disabled people in all the consultation forums that are being held at the national level in order to strengthen peace, they should have a meaningful contribution and urged disabled people to take this into account and take strong action.
Secretary of the Joint House of Political Parties, Dr. Rachel Buffet; He stressed that the participation of disabled people in national affairs should be highlighted.
The forum was jointly organized by the Council of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, the Joint Council of Ethiopian Political Parties and the Ministry of Peace.
It is recalled that the three institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable them to work closer and coordinate better in terms of supporting the national consultation process. Accordingly, they are coordinating various awareness programs on the benefits of the national consultation.
This program is organized with financial support from Action Aid Ethiopia.
Round table discussion on TJ policy Draft
A round table discussion is underway with experts and academia in reference to the Draft Transitional Justice Policy Options. After being briefed on the content of the draft document, the participants are deliberating and offered their input. In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse, underscored that all stakeholders need to come together and collaborate to support the Transitional Justice Process which is one of the national peace-building tools. Today’s discussion platform is organized through the financial support of USAID’s Feteh (Justice) activity in Ethiopia.
Experience Sharing b/n CSOs and Media
The workshop entitled "Increasing the participation of people with disabilities in Ethiopia's national consultation" held today. The purpose of the forum is to advise on articles that should emphasize the participation of people with disabilities in national affairs.
They asked to believe that people with disabilities can contribute significantly to politics and other national issues.
He said that the participants of the meeting should be made to contribute to the national consultation forums, not only for the purpose of involving the disabled, but also considering their abilities and skills.
In his opening speech, the Director General of the Council of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, Mr. Henok Melesse, emphasized that people with disabilities should contribute significantly by participating in national consultation forums.
The Minister of State for Peace, Taye Dendea, on his part, said that apart from involving disabled people in all the consultation forums that are being held at the national level in order to strengthen peace, they should have a meaningful contribution and urged disabled people to take this into account and take strong action.
Secretary of the Joint House of Political Parties, Dr. Rachel Buffet; He stressed that the participation of disabled people in national affairs should be highlighted.
The forum was jointly organized by the Council of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, the Joint Council of Ethiopian Political Parties and the Ministry of Peace.
It is recalled that the three institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding that will enable them to work closer and coordinate better in terms of supporting the national consultation process. Accordingly, they are coordinating various awareness programs on the benefits of the national consultation.
This program is organized with financial support from Action Aid Ethiopia.
Round table discussion on TJ policy Draft
A round table discussion is underway with experts and academia in reference to the Draft Transitional Justice Policy Options. After being briefed on the content of the draft document, the participants are deliberating and offered their input. In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse, underscored that all stakeholders need to come together and collaborate to support the Transitional Justice Process which is one of the national peace-building tools. Today’s discussion platform is organized through the financial support of USAID’s Feteh (Justice) activity in Ethiopia.
Experience Sharing b/n CSOs and Media
Participants at a training platform have today shared experiences and deliberated on the relationship between the media and civil society organizations with the aim of identifying areas of mutual cooperation in the two sectors for better results and fulfillment of joint responsibilities. Public relations and Communication professionals in CSOs and media persons from various media houses exchanged views on what should be done to bridge the perception gap between the two sectors.
The participants who shared their experiences in the training forum stated that the media and civil society can complement each other in that they both have common missions that align.
The participants at today's underscored the importance of setting the momentum of collaboration between the two sectors by ensuring the provision of clear, accurate, and timely information from the CSO to the media. Today's session was organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council through the support of the Civil Society Support Program 2 (CSSP-2).
Heads of media organizations, editors, and journalists from Addis Ababa and various regions across the country participated in the two-day-long training. Papers on the new civil society organization law, how the media and the civil society sector should develop their relationship, and human rights issues coverage were presented and discussed at the training.
Among the topics of discussion raised by the media is that both sectors need to strengthen and cooperate on common areas through training and capacity building. The participants at the training also made recommendations on how the two sectors can work together in a strengthened manner. In the future, they agreed to work intensively through the CSO-Media Forum established through the initiative of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council. The two-day training is mainly aimed at supporting efforts to bridge the information gap between the civil society sector and the media.
Discussion
A round table discussion is underway with experts and academia in reference to the Draft Transitional Justice Policy Options. After being briefed on the content of the draft document, the participants are deliberating and offered their input. In his welcoming remarks, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse, underscored that all stakeholders need to come together and collaborate to support the Transitional Justice Process which is one of the national peace-building tools. Today’s discussion platform is organized through the financial support of USAID’s Feteh (Justice) activity in Ethiopia.
Election of Members of Code observation panel for Code Of Conduct
The process to select an independent panel to enable the implementation of the CSOs Code of Conduct has kicked off. This comes in accordance with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Proclamation No. 1113/2019, Article 85/5/A. The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council has provided orientation on the importance of the panel as well as the selection process.
Heeding to the publicized call for a meeting, representatives from Professional Associations, Civil Society Organizations Working on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Consortiums, Local Civil Society Organizations, Women &Youth Focused Civil Society Organizations, & Foreign Civil Society Organizations have gathered at the sessions held on April 24 & 25, 2023.
According to Article 27 of the CSOs Code of Conduct, 9 candidate panel members are to be selected.
CSOs visitation in Eastern Ethiopia
Community members in Harar and its surrounding have commended the works being undertaken by civil society organizations to support different sections of society. This comes as a group of representatives from the media enters into their third day of CSOs visits in Eastern Ethiopia as part of a Media tour program organized with the aim of bridging the information gap between the media and the Civil Society sector.
In a field visit to the Jarso area program being implemented by World Vision Ethiopia, the visitors witnessed works being done in the community in terms of livelihood, education, child protection as well as Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH).
The community members have given their testimony as to the positive impacts these projects have had in their lives saying that they were able to improve their lives in terms of income generation, saving funds, access to education, access to water, and life skill development among others.
Up next, participants of the Media Tour are set to visit civil society organizations operating in and around Jigjiga city, Somali region, with the aim of witnessing the work the CSOs are contributing to the community in that area.
Consultation meeting on tax exemption services
Representatives and heads of different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and government institutions have held a wide-ranging discussion on the latest Directive issued by the Ministry of Finance regarding tax exemption services for CSOs. During the discussion forum, various research papers were presented regarding the topic and participants at the meeting exchanged their views regarding the effects of the new Directive on the implementation of CSOs' projects.
In his message at the event, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC), Henok Melesse, stated, "Civil society organizations have generally been discussing draft directives and regulations and offering recommendations in which the Council has been playing a leading role to coordinate the process. The Council believes that the Directives that have been issued and are being implemented need to be useful to further expand the civic space. ECSOC will be closely monitoring to ensure that no directive restricts the activities of civil society or becomes a reason for narrowing the civic space.”
In his opening remarks, the Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), Jima Dilbo, said, "The Authority has received complaints and reports regarding problems posed by the recently issued directive by the Ministry of Finance (Directive No. 942/2015), which is constraining civil society organizations project implementations. Today's discussion platform has been prepared because it is important to explore solutions to the problems identified so far by discussing the matter directly with the relevant parties.
This consultation platform was organized by ECSOC in collaboration with ACSO.
Media Tour visiting in Eastern Ethiopia
Representatives from various media outlets have arrived in Dire Dawa today as part of a Media Tour visiting civil society organizations working in different sectors in Eastern Ethiopia.
The main purpose of the visit is to fill the gap between the civil society and the media sector and to support the efforts to bring the two sectors closer together and create an atmosphere of mutual understanding.
The media visit was organized in collaboration with the Authority of Civil Society Organizations, and during the next 3 days of the media tour, civil society organizations in Jigjiga, Harar and Dire Dawa will be visited by the media personnel.
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) and the Authority of Civil Society Organizations(ACSO) gave a briefing to the media about the general activities they are undertaking and a discussion was held with the media based on the briefing.
The differences and complimentary sides between ECSOC and ACSO have also been widely explained.
High level workshop on TJ policy
Stakeholders invited from different parts of the country are participating in a workshop designed to spread awareness about transitional justice.
Civil society organizations from Addis Ababa and other parts of the country, senior government officials, representatives of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, political party members, religious leaders, media and other stakeholders are participating in the one-day long workshop.
Program & Development Director at the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Hana Woldegebrial in her opening remarks said, "Transitional justice needs the support and participation of all stakeholders to achieve its goals. Transitional justice is not an issue that starts and ends with government actors alone. The process affects and concerns many entities outside of the government structure in one way or another.”
An in-depth discussion is underway on the topics of the concept of transitional justice and the past experience of Ethiopia, transitional justice originating from the lower class of society; preliminary understandings identified through community consultation, the role of government bodies and the role of non-governmental actors in the transitional justice process are.
The workshop is jointly organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council and the Institute of Security Studies.
Dr. Dawit Yohannes, Head of the Peace Training Program at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), said that the institute places great importance in awareness creation on the concept and implementation of transitional justice. He added that ISS is committed to continue the strengthened work in this regard.
Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with Woord en Daad
Establishment of a joint assembly of CSOs and the government
Officials and representatives of various civil society organizations, government bodies, representatives of partner organizations and invited guests were present at the establishment of the joint conference.
"It is believed that the most important thing our country wants is the establishment of sustainable peace. It is believed that the operation of development and democracy requires the cooperation of all citizens and development partners," said the Director General of the Council of Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations, Ato Henok.
The main objective of the joint conference is to strengthen the relationship and cooperation between the government bodies and civil society organizations and to identify the strong and weak points of the civil society sector and facilitate the conditions for working closely together.
"Civil society organizations, development partners and the government have been working hard for several years to make our country a place of lasting peace, inclusive development, good governance, and human rights without being violated, and it is true that encouraging results have been achieved without any effort," he said.
Jima Dilbo, Director General of the Civil Society Organizations Authority, on his part, said, "Recognizing the national benefits that the joint conference can bring, I respectfully request all the officials of federal government institutions and leaders of civil society organizations to contribute to the effectiveness of the forum."
CSOs week Press release 2023
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) and the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) have announced that they have started work to organize the annual National Civil Society Organization Week (CSOs Week - 2023) for the third time.
The theme for this year's CSOs Week is "Active participation of civil society organizations for sustainable peace, human rights protection and building good governance".
Briefing journalists earlier today, the heads of the two institutions said that this year's theme was selected in line with realizing the peace processes that have been started following the existing situation in Ethiopia. The theme also reflects on strengthening the work on human rights protection at various levels as well as strengthening good governance in the sector.
Executive Director of ECSOC, Henok Melesse said, "Among the responsibilities of ECSOC, is ensuring the promotion of the irreplaceable role of Civil Society Organizations in the country, in addition to serving as a voice for the civil society sector,” He added, “One of the objectives of celebrating CSOs Week is to create a platform where the contribution of the sector can be widely known, and to ensure that awareness creation is sufficiently applied."
Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations, Jima Dilbo Denbel for his part underscored, that “Various efforts are being made in order to strengthen the civil society sector. One of these efforts is the annual CSOs Week. This platform is meant to create the opportunity to establish linkage within the sector as well as to ensure networking and introduction among CSOs.”
The third National Civil Society Organizations Week (CSOs Week) is set to be held in May and more than 200 civil society organizations are expected to participate.
Those interested in partaking in the event are can express their interest starting today.
Tigray Visitation after peace agreement
Civil Society Organizations in Tigray Region have called for all CSOs to work together to ensure that the recent peace agreement is sustainable and successfully implemented, as well as for urgent humanitarian aid to be delivered to the people who have been affected by the war in the region. This was said at the consultation forum held in Mekelle city, Tigray. This came as ECSOC organized the working visit of about 60 civil society organizations from Addis Abeba to the region to meet and deliberate with their counterparts in Mekelle.
Executive Director of the Council, Henok Melesse, who delivered his message at the consultative meeting, said, "True social transition and relative peace can be ensured by listening to the people and devising problem-solving procedures that take into account the resources and values of the people." The Executive Director added, " The council has been stating on several occasions that if we cannot resolve conflicts and disagreements through civilized discussion, apart from giving the problems a chance to fester, it will also bequeath problems to future generations."
Executive Director of the Alliance of Tigray Civil Society Organizations (ACSOT), Yared Berhe, said, "Even though the civil society sector has not been able to save the people who have suffered greatly due to the result of war, now more than ever, we need to create a comprehensive collaboration of CSOs in all directions to ensure the provision of immediate support to the citizens who have been caught in the crossfire.”
Board Chairman of ACSOT, Tesfaye Gebregziaber said, "There will not be much we can change by talking more about the brokenness of our society. We need to give due attention to reaching and supporting our people in need." The delegation that headed from Addis Ababa to Mekelle also visited the IDP camp where IDPs in the shelter urged for immediate support as they are still faced with dire situations.
Meeting on Humanitarian Response
Representatives of Civil Society Organizations that made a working visit to Mekelle, Tigray at the beginning of this week have pledged to do their level best in ensuring that urgent Humanitarian needs are addressed. The working visit was organized by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) in collaboration with the Alliance of Civil Society Organizations of Tigray (ACSOT).
In a follow-up meeting to the visit to Mekelle, on Friday January 27, 2023, CSOs deliberated on their observation on the ground as well as the way forward in relation to providing humanitarian, psychological, and socio-economic support in the region.
The civil society organizations have expressed their readiness to make a similar visit to conflict-affected areas of the country and to coordinate the necessary support in the effort to rebuild and rehabilitate.
The CSOs have reached an agreement to set up a joint committee to be led by the Civil Society Organizations - Humanitarian Support and Recovery Team (CSOs-HEART) to coordinate support for Internally Displaced Persons affected by the armed conflict.
Policy dialogue on perception and role of CSOs on National Dialogue
Participants at a consultative workshop are discussing policy in connection with the Ethiopian National Dialogue Process. Today's event is part of the effort by the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) in engaging in the National Dialogue by playing a supporting role to the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC).
Youths form Alliance to take part in upcoming National Dialogue
Fifty-two youth-focused and youth-led civil society organizations have come together to form the “Alliance of Youth CSOs for National Dialogue”. The Alliance which was launched officially on October 11, 2022, aims to empower these CSOs to contribute to the realization of the meaningful participation of young people in the national dialogue in a principled and coordinated manner.
ECSOC has been engaged in different initiatives to support the efforts toward the success of the National Dialogue in the country. In line with this, a gap was identified where there was a gap in the participation of youth-focused and youth-led CSOs in the National Dialogue process. In order to bridge this gap, ECSOC along with the concerned CSOs is coordinating the organizations working with the youth to form the Alliance.
In his opening remark, Executive Director of ECSOC, Henok Melesse said “The alliance that will be formed today, aims to fill such visible gaps by ensuring the active participation of the youth,” he added, “by mobilizing young people in both rural and urban areas, it is possible to help them become active participants in the dialogue and make the process successful.”
In his welcoming speech, the Chairperson of the Interim Committee of the Alliance, Biruk Yirgalem, said "we are delighted to be working closely with the council to contribute to the success of the National Dialogue process." Biruk also underlined that activities are underway to ensure the inclusion of youth at the regional level.
Representatives of the youth-focused and youth-led CSOs at the launching of the alliance have pledged their commitment to engage in the process with a high standard of ethics and a spirit of foresight.
CSOs Pledge to Mobilize Support for IDPs
Over 300 representatives of local and international Civil Society Organizations came together on September 23, 2022, with the aim of mobilizing resources to respond to the dire emergency humanitarian situation in Ethiopia, particularly, for internally displaced people (IDPs). This comes as thousands of people were internally displaced amid the resurgence of armed conflict in the Northern part of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council has called on CSOs to make maximum effort to ensure that internally displaced persons and people facing urgent humanitarian needs have access to the much-needed emergency response. In his opening remark, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melese said “serving humanity is the main characteristic of civil societies. We are here today to provide immediate humanitarian support to those who have been displaced from their homes and are facing urgent humanitarian needs due to the resurgence of the armed conflict. He added, “Now is the time to step up our efforts by providing urgent humanitarian aid to support the thousands of people who have been displaced and are facing the impacts of the war. On behalf of our council, I would like to urge all CSOs to play their role to reach our people in need of support.” Director General of the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO), Jima Dilbo has also called on all Civil Society Organizations to step up their efforts to reach out to citizens that are in desperate need of humanitarian aid with lifesaving support. CSOs and partners at today’s event have pledged over 11 million birr in cash and in-kind heeding the urgent humanitarian support call by ECSOC & ACSO.
CSOs Discuss Their Role in Peacebuilding
Participants representing different Civil Society Organizations deliberated on the “Role of Civil Societies in Peace Building.” In his opening remark, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC), Henok Melesse, said "The Civil Society is an important actor in Peacebuilding.
It is expected that civil societies will contribute a great deal in reducing violence and facilitating the conditions needed for sustainable peace.” Legal and Policy Advisor at ECSOC, Zelalem Eshetu, stated in his presentation that studies have proved that the inclusion of civil society actors in the peace settlement increases the durability of peace so it is important for those in the sector to participate closely in the peace process.
Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Mapping Study – 2021 Report Launched
The third Round of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Mapping Study – 2021 Report Launch event has taken place. The report launching event was hosted in the presence of ECSOC leadership, representatives of different CSOs, high-level government officials, and developmental partners that contributed their share in the course of conducting the study. Addressing the gathering at the event, Vice President of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Tinebeb Birhane, who was part of the Reference Group of the study said that the findings of the study will paint a significant picture as CSOs move forward. The study aimed at providing updated, multi-dimensional information on CSOs in Ethiopia operating at the National and Regional Levels.
ECSOC & EPPJC ink MoU Agreement
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council (ECSOC) and the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council (EPPJC) have today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in a historic move to work together by setting aside barriers that separate them and focusing on the common grounds pertaining to national issues.
The two sides underscored that one of the issues that need to be given due emphasis is National Dialogue Process and civil societies, as well as political parties, need to come together to address issues of peacebuilding in the nation. Speaking on behalf of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, Henok Melesse, Executive Director of ECSOC, said that even though civil societies and political parties have several issues that set them apart, it is important to closely work together for the common good of the nation as both sides also have various mutual areas.” For her part, the Chairperson of the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council Dr. Rahel Baffie, said: “We must learn to live together as a nation. As civil society and political parties are key stakeholders in the national dialogue process, the decision to work together in this historic collaboration will be of great national benefit.”
ECSOC holds third General Assembly
The Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council has called on the Civil Society Sector to continue integrated support in efforts of nation-building. In his opening remarks at the 3rd General Assembly being held today, the President of the Council, Dr. Nigussu Legesse, praised the efforts
made by the civil society in solving current challenges the country is facing at different levels and called on the sector to continue its role in this regard. Representing the FDRE Authority for Civil Society Organizations, Tesfaye Shiferaw on his part called on civil society organizations to continue supporting the government's efforts to resolve conflicts in parts of the country.
Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council, the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council agree to work together
The leadership of the Ethiopian Civil Society Organizations Council and the Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council have agreed to work together on current national issues. In their discussion today, the two sides stressed the need to work together by completely tearing down the wall that widens the gaps between them and by focusing on the common grounds for the greater good of the nation.