Ethiopian Human Rights Commission Focuses on Protecting Rights of Children in Conflict with the Law

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recently convened a discussion focused on strengthening the protection of human rights for children involved in legal proceedings. The event, held from January 31 to February 1, 2026, in Bishoftu city, brought together key stakeholders to enhance knowledge and skills related to children’s rights and their effective protection.

Collaboration and Participants

The discussion involved personnel from the Addis Ababa Rehabilitation and Remand Home for Children in Conflict with the Law, the Addis Ababa Women and Children Bureau, and representatives from the Federal First Instance Court specializing in women and children’s cases. Officials and staff from the Addis Ababa Rehabilitation and Remand home also participated. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of a coordinated effort in safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children.

Key Discussion Points and Findings

During the event, the EHRC presented findings from its human rights monitoring of the rehabilitation and remand home. Presentations were also delivered by the coordinator of Judges residing on Women and Children’s specialized benches of the Federal First Instance Court, and Addis Ababa University’s School of Social Operate, focusing on the protection of children’s rights. Topics covered included understanding childhood and child development, effective communication techniques with children, professional ethics, cognitive-behavioral approaches, the relationship between crime and criminal behavior, leadership and supervision skills, counseling services, and the experiences of courts handling cases involving children in conflict with the law, with a particular emphasis on links to rehabilitation and correctional centers.

Commitment to Improved Practices

Participants expressed that the discussion provided valuable professional skills to ensure the safety and security of children within the center, promote healthy social development, and strengthen treatment approaches that support holistic development and the protection of their human rights. They committed to applying the newly acquired knowledge and skills in their daily work.

Recommendations for Systemic Improvement

Participants also proposed specific recommendations to improve the system. These included providing courts with assessments from teachers regarding children involved in legal proceedings before judicial decisions are made. They suggested allowing sufficient time for family tracing and reintegration efforts when determining the appropriate length of stay for children in the center, prioritizing their best interests, safety, and well-being.

Emphasis on Continuous Training and Collaboration

Konjit Debela, Head of the Addis Ababa Women and Children Bureau, highlighted the EHRC’s previous recommendations regarding the need for ongoing awareness-raising and capacity-building training for professionals and support staff at the center. She urged participants to utilize the knowledge gained during the discussion to address identified gaps and ensure the protection of children’s human rights.

EHRC’s Commitment to Children’s Rights

Dr. Abdi Jibril, EHRC Commissioner for Civil, Political, Social and Economic Rights, emphasized that the protection and promotion of children’s rights is a key priority for the EHRC. He called on personnel in the rehabilitation and remand home to work collaboratively and with dedication to fulfill their responsibilities in strengthening the protection of children’s human rights within the center. Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is an independent federal state body established by Parliament.