In the second day of the National Conference on Peace, Justice and Democracy in Ethiopia, papers were presented and discussed by participants this morning.
Abrha Messelle (Asst. Prof. of Law in Mekelle University ) who presented his paper on the role of National Human Rights Institutions in implementing peace agreement with a special emphasis on the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between the TPLF and the Ethiopian Federal Government, states peace agreements have, historically been instrumental in solving inter-state and intra-state conflicts.
He says, involvement of human rights institutions would broaden implementation of peace negotiations if properly treated.
However, Abrha, without disregarding its endeavors in addressing human rights cases and appreciating its recent works, questions the independence and neutrality of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission indicating it's affiliation with government and some previous imbalances and flaws observed in reporting gross human rights violations across the country.
Abrha also says such institutions would contribute in democratization process and creating durable peace .
He suggests for a reform in human rights commission and ombudsman for further involvement and positive role stating that Art 15 the PCoHa provides an opportunity for further discussion in deepening the peace negotiations.
He also suggests for the African Union Monitoring Verification and Compliance Mission to be handled by EHRC after broadening and amending drawbacks.
Furthermore, he says AU and UN Human Rights systems could complement the process of implementing the PCoHa .
Another presenter, James Krueger (PhD) who stated his ideas on ADR(Alternative Dispute Resolution ) sees these mechanisms as " critical " for peace building.
He says promoting these mechanisms in a way that fits to the legal system would bring productive result .
Yesterday, in the afternoon, papers on the quest for durable peace in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities and the role of women's involvement in peace negotiations were presented by Desta G/Micheal (PhD), MU School of Law and Bethelhem Metafiria(Hawassa University ) respectively .
Bethlehem suggested for women's involvement and representation in peace negotiations criticizing the exclusion of women in political affairs.
Mixed with regrets, Bethlehem asks what would have the PCoHA looked like had there been women in the peace negotiations process?
During the closing session today, Head for MU School of Law Zbelo Haileselassie (PhD) extended his thanks to the organizers, MU management and participants from across the Country.
