Ethiopia: EU Criticises Stalled Transitional Justice Process

• The European Union has criticised Ethiopia's stalled transitional justice process in its 2025 Human Rights and Democracy report.
• The report highlights conflict-related abuses and humanitarian restrictions linked to Eritrean forces in northern Ethiopia as major concerns.
• Lawyers advising clients on business operations in Ethiopia should be aware of the potential compliance exposure arising from the stalled transitional justice process.

The EU's criticism highlights the need for greater accountability and action from the Ethiopian government to address human rights abuses.

The European Union has expressed deep concern over the stalled transitional justice process in Ethiopia, highlighting its potential impact on investment and trade activities. The EU's criticism comes as part of its annual Human Rights and Democracy report for 2025, which identifies several major concerns related to conflict-related abuses and humanitarian restrictions in northern Ethiopia.

The report specifically notes that the continued presence of Eritrean forces in the region has led to a range of human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, detentions, and torture. The EU also expresses concern over the Ethiopian government's failure to hold perpetrators accountable for these abuses, despite its adoption of a national policy and roadmap for transitional justice.

This criticism is significant, as it highlights the potential compliance exposure arising from the stalled transitional justice process. Lawyers advising clients on business operations in Ethiopia should be aware of this issue and take steps to mitigate any potential risks.

The transitional justice process in Ethiopia was established to address human rights abuses committed during the country's 1998-2006 conflict with Eritrea. The government adopted a national transitional justice policy in April 2024, and a roadmap for its implementation in July 2024, but progress has been slow since then. The EU's criticism highlights the need for greater accountability and action from the Ethiopian government to address these abuses.

The report also notes that the continued presence of Eritrean forces in northern Ethiopia is a major concern, as it has led to a range of human rights abuses and humanitarian restrictions. The EU calls on the Ethiopian government to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.

The stalled transitional justice process in Ethiopia has significant implications for businesses operating in the country. Companies may face compliance risks if they fail to address human rights abuses or do not take steps to mitigate their impact on affected communities.

The EU's criticism highlights the need for companies to prioritize human rights and ensure that their operations are aligned with international standards. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments, engaging with local stakeholders, and taking steps to prevent harm to people and the environment.

Lawyers advising clients on business operations in Ethiopia should be aware of the potential compliance exposure arising from the stalled transitional justice process, which may impact investment and trade activities.

Source: Original reporting via European Union Human Rights Report 2025