Addis Ababa – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Al-Hussein, on Wednesday Promised to support Ethiopia’s efforts to ensure human rights as an impetus to unlock the full potential of people and in realising inclusive development.
Al-Hussein announced UN’s support to Ethiopia’s efforts during his meeting with Muferiat Kamil, the Speaker of House of Representatives in Addis Ababa
According to Al-Hussein, the multitude of different views and opinions in Ethiopia as well as the existing need for dialogue “provides the Ethiopian parliament the right atmosphere for such discussions.’’
“We are going to build a stronger relationship and we will continue our continuous deliberation with you,” he said during his discussion with Kamil.
Signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia’s minister of foreign affairs, he said that this “would enable our work to continue in Ethiopia and deepen within the relevant authorities and we are looking forward to working with you.”
Opening a high-level dialogue at the Headquarters of the AU on Tuesday, Al-Hussein said upholding the right of peoples is the whole purpose of governments.
“Wherever, we are present, we propose assistance to states to build their capacity to uphold rights because those rights are the accelerative force that will enhance development social justice, participation, inclusion and peace,” he added.
Al-Hussein’s second official visit to Ethiopia from April 22 to 25 is part of his follow-up visit to the East African country and the AU.
Ethiopia has sworn in its new Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, earlier this month, who stressed the need to strengthen democracy, freedom and liberty.
“We will continue to respect the rights of citizens, the right to question, criticize and hold its public servants to accountability,” Ahmed said. (Xinhua/NAN)