Proposed Legal Amendments Threaten Civil Society in Ethiopia

Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over proposed amendments to Ethiopia's civil society law, which could grant the government extensive powers to restrict non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The draft amendments, introduced ahead of the national elections scheduled for June 2026, would allow federal authorities to prohibit foreign funding for groups involved in governance and election-related activities. Additionally, the government could deny registration to, suspend, or dissolve organizations on vague "national security" grounds without judicial oversight or the right to appeal.

The current civil society law, enacted in 2019, was seen as a progressive step towards enhancing civic engagement and aligning with international human rights standards. However, the proposed changes resemble the restrictive 2009 law, which imposed severe limitations on civil society groups, leading to the closure or significant reduction of many independent human rights organizations.

Key provisions in the draft amendments include:

• Prohibiting foreign funding for NGOs engaged in political advocacy, voter education, election monitoring, or any election-related work.
• Subjecting organizations to onerous registration and reporting requirements, including prior approval for receiving property, opening bank accounts, or borrowing money.
• Granting the Authority for Civil Society Organizations the discretion to deny registration based on perceived threats to national security.
• Allowing the suspension of organizations without judicial oversight, with the possibility of extending the suspension period and freezing assets.

These proposed changes have sparked significant concern among human rights advocates, who argue that they could severely restrict civic space and undermine democratic processes in Ethiopia. The amendments come at a time when the government has been increasing its control over civil society and the media, raising questions about the commitment to democratic reforms.

Human Rights Watch has called on Ethiopian lawmakers to reject the proposed amendments and urged international partners to denounce the draft law. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a legal framework that supports the free operation of civil society organizations, especially in the lead-up to national elections.

The situation remains fluid, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments. The outcome of this legislative process will have significant implications for the future of civil society and democratic governance in Ethiopia.