The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), follows with profound concern the devastating landslides following heavy rains on the 21st and 22nd July, 2024 in Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia.
The Commission expresses its sadness on the known death of 157 people and sends its deep condolences to the families and communities affected by such loss of lives. Heartfelt prayers go to those in the hospital receiving treatment and the communities as the search goes on.
The Commission recalls the responsibility of states as part of its obligation under Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right (the African Charter) to give effect to the rights enshrined in the African Charter to mobilize the necessary responses for mitigating the impact of the landslides on affected communities including the provision of assistance to the bereaved families and the internally displaced. In the light of potential continuity of heavy rains, this also requires that the state adopts protective measures including early warning and facilitation of relocation of communities in imminent risk of being affected and adoption of effective disaster management strategies.
Other provisions of the African Charter that are particularly relevant in such cases are those on the right to life (Article 4), the right to property (Article 14), the right to economic, social, and cultural development (Article 22), and the right to a generally satisfactory environment (Article 24).
In the light of the foregoing, the Commission calls on the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (the Government) to:
1. Provide emergency relief services including food, shelter, and medical care to meet the basic needs of the displaced and affected populations;
2. Deliver assistance in rebuilding homes and infrastructure destroyed by the landslides, with an emphasis on sustainable development and disaster-resilient construction;
3. Develop and strengthen infrastructure and systems that enhance the country's resilience to natural disasters and facilitate effective response mechanisms; and
4. Develop policies that focus on comprehensive disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation measures and ensuring active community involvement in these processes.
The Commission also supports the efforts of the Government and people of Ethiopia to manage this crisis effectively and mitigate future risks in accordance with human and peoples’ rights.
Honourable Commissioner Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga
Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Done this 24th day of July 2024
