Although a relative better political environment had been created with the coming of EPRDF, many NGOs have not yet shifted their policy objective towards advocacy. Majority of local NGOs are still either relief or development oriented regarding their policy objectives. They are fear of taking up policy advocacy, rule of law, human rights, criticism and opposition to state policies and practices. This is partly explained by the fact that many NGOs restored to opportunism or subservience to the government. That is, they make political calculations deemed necessary to ensure survival. In other words, most NGOs pretend not to engage in sensitive issues that may antagonize with the government. In simple terms, they rather conform to center of power and prefer to maintain personal and institutional interests (Kassahun, 2002:124).
However, after 1991 a few local NGOs emerged and centered their objective on promoting the respect for the rule of law, protecting and monitoring human rights and enhancing civil awareness through various strategies. The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), Society for the Advancement of Human Rights Education (EAHRE) are some the examples ,which entertain such objectives.
Nevertheless, the relation of these human right NGOs and the government (EPRDF) is characterized by great friction and antagonism. Government sometimes intervened in their activities to extent of closing their offices (Sisay, 2001:29).
In light of this background, the study is going to investigate this problem of advocacy NGOs by taking EHRCO as case and will also try to asses other impediments of its effective operation.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.4 Hypothesis
1.5 Methodology
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Scope
1.8 .Limitation
1.9 Organization of the Study
1.10 Review of Literature
2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF HUMAN RIGHT NGOs
2.1 Definitions of Human Rights And Human Rights NGOs
2.2 Historical Development of Human Rights NGOs
2.2.1 Definition of NGOs
2.2.2 Human rights NGOs and It’s Developments
2.3 Human Right NGOs in Ethiopia
2.4 The predicaments of EHRCO
2.5 Role of NGOs and Human rights NGOs In Promoting and Protecting HRs
2.5.1 Education
2.5.2 Enforcement
2.5.3 Documentation
2.6 Demerits of NGOs
3. CONTRIBUTION AND ROLES OF EHRCO IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC VALUES
3.1 Overview of Human right Condition in Ethiopia With Reference to the constitution since EHRCO's Foundation
3.2 EHRCO Programs, Objective And Contents
Organizational Background
Objective & Contents Of the Organization
3.3 Provision of Periodic Reports On HRs Violation in Ethiopia
4. THE CHALLENGES OF EHRCO IN ITS OPERATION
4.1 Challenges from the Government
4.2 Limitation from Organizational Foundation
4.2.1 Lack of managerial & Undemocratic Internal Governance
4.3 Political Space (Low Level of Awareness Of the Ethiopian Society
Objectives and Topics of the Study
The study investigates the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting human rights within Ethiopia, using the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) as a primary case study. It explores the hostile relationship between advocacy-oriented NGOs and the state, while assessing organizational, financial, and political challenges that impede the effective operation of these institutions.
- The role of advocacy NGOs in the Ethiopian political landscape.
- Hostile state-NGO relations and government interference.
- Organizational limitations, including management and internal governance issues.
- The impact of low political awareness among the Ethiopian public on NGO effectiveness.
- Strategies for human rights protection through documentation and education.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Background
Although a relative better political environment had been created with the coming of EPRDF, many NGOs have not yet shifted their policy objective towards advocacy. Majority of local NGOs are still either relief or development oriented regarding their policy objectives. They are fear of taking up policy advocacy, rule of law, human rights, criticism and opposition to state polices and practices. This is partly explained by the fact that many NGOs restored to opportunism or subservience to the government. That is, they make political calculations deemed necessary to ensure survival. In other words, most NGOs pretend not to engage in sensitive issues that may antagonize with the government. In simple terms, they rather conform to center of power and prefer to maintain personal and institutional interests (Kassahun, 2002:124).
However, after 1991 a few local NGOs emerged and centered their objective on promoting the respect for the rule of law, protecting and monitoring human rights and enhancing civil awareness through various strategies. The Ethiopian Human Rights Council(EHRCO), Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association(EWLA), Society for the Advancement of Human Rights Education(EAHRE) are some the examples ,which entertain such objectives.
Nevertheless, the relation of these human right NGOs and the government (EPRDF) is characterized by great friction and antagonism. Government sometimes intervened in their activities to extent of closing their offices (Sisay, 2001:29).
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research background regarding local NGOs in Ethiopia, the problem statement, and the specific research objectives focused on EHRCO.
2. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK OF HUMAN RIGHT NGOs: Discusses the definitions, historical development, and the dual role of NGOs in promotion and protection of human rights, including potential demerits.
3. CONTRIBUTION AND ROLES OF EHRCO IN PROMOTING HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC VALUES: Analyzes the contribution of EHRCO, covering its programs, monitoring activities, and efforts in civic education since its inception.
4. THE CHALLENGES OF EHRCO IN ITS OPERATION: Investigates the structural and external challenges facing EHRCO, including government antagonism and organizational limitations.
Keywords
Human Rights, Ethiopia, NGOs, EHRCO, Advocacy, Government Antagonism, Civil Society, Rule of Law, Democracy, Political Space, Civic Education, Documentation, Organizational Limitations, Governance, Political Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research examines the role of advocacy-based non-governmental organizations in Ethiopia, specifically focusing on how they operate under restricted political conditions.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Key themes include the state-NGO relationship, the challenges of policy advocacy, human rights documentation, civic education, and internal organizational constraints.
What is the main objective of this study?
The objective is to analyze the hostile relationship between the Ethiopian government and EHRCO, evaluate the effectiveness of EHRCO's contributions, and identify barriers to its operational success.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The study utilizes both descriptive and analytical approaches, relying on secondary data such as books, articles, and international reports to evaluate the situation.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body evaluates EHRCO's contributions to human rights monitoring and public awareness, contrasted with the significant operational, political, and managerial challenges it faces.
Which keywords best characterize this study?
The study is best described by terms like Human Rights, EHRCO, Advocacy, Ethiopia, Civil Society, and Government Antagonism.
How does the government typically respond to the activities of EHRCO?
The government often views EHRCO with hostility, frequently criticizing its work and considering it to be a political tool of opposition forces rather than an independent human rights observer.
What impact do organizational limitations have on the effectiveness of EHRCO?
Internal issues such as a lack of professional management and undemocratic governance structures significantly limit the organization's ability to mobilize and expand its impact across different regions.
- Citar trabajo
- Israel Endale (Autor), 2010, Role of NGOs in promoting Human Rights in Ethiopia: A Case Study on Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/298387
