Ethiopia appoints prominent Human rights defender as head of human rights Commission

BY: FANABC

Dr Daniel Bekele has been appointed as  Commissioner of the Ethiopia Human Rights Commission (EHRC), replacing Dr Addisu Gebregziabher.

In its regular session held today, the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) picked Dr Daniel to lead the Commission from 88 shortlisted candidates.

Independent, credible & strong democratic institutions play a vital role in ensuring multiparty democracy & respect for human rights. Congratulations to @DanielBekele, seasoned human rights advocate & lawyer, appointed by HOPR as Commissioner of Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.

— Office of the Prime Minister – Ethiopia (@PMEthiopia) July 2, 2019

Prior to his current appointment, Dr Daniel Bekele was the senior director for Africa Advocacy at Human Rights Watch (HRW) where he has previously served as the Executive Director of the Africa Division.

He has also served as the legal department director and secretary of the board for United Insurance Co., and he managed Action Aid Ethiopia’s policy research and advocacy departments.

Dr Daniel has extensively consulted with non-governmental organizations including Oxfam, ARTICLE 19, Freedom House, and PACT, as well as with USAID and the World Bank.

He has worked in varying capacities with numerous civil society organizations, and led the national-level campaign for the Global Call to Action against Poverty.