Roundup: UN rights chief encouraged by reforms as he wraps up Ethiopia trip

ADDIS ABABA, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Thursday, said he's encouraged by reforms he has seen in Ethiopia during his four-day visit.

In a press statement at the end of his trip, Hussein said he welcomes the release of large number of people, including bloggers, political opponents and others who had been detained for their opposition to the Ethiopian government.

"I am grateful to Ethiopian government for inviting me not once, but twice during my term as High Commissioner for Human rights. The invitation shows that the government's willingness and sincerity to openly discuss the human rights challenges in the country," said the statement.

Hussein had previously visited Ethiopia in May 2017 where he discussed the human rights situation of Ethiopia with government officials and civil society members.

He further said he's seen tremendous hope mixed with anxiety, after the swearing in of new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on April 2 and hopes the momentum for reform is sustained.

Hussein said his office is also ready to give its assistance to reform contentious legislations like Ethiopia's Anti-Terrorism legislation, Mass Media laws and the Charities and Societies Proclamation.

Hussein also commended Ethiopian authorities for allowing him to visit parts of Oromiya regional state, a protest hotbed since 2016, and for being able to meet civil society representatives, traditional leaders, bloggers and political opponents.

Persistent deadly protests over allegations of economic and political marginalization since 2016 in Amhara and Oromia regional states which together account for about 65 percent of Ethiopia's estimated population of 100 million had caused fears about the stability of one of Africa's star economies.

Hussein's positive assessment was shared by Meles Alem, Spokesperson of Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who told journalists earlier on Thursday, that Ethiopian officials have reaffirmed to the UN rights chief their country's reform agenda.

Alem said Ahmed had briefed Hussein on Ethiopia's efforts to strengthen its democratic and human rights space and activities being done to accelerate Ethiopia's economic development and good governance.

Alem further said his government is fully committed to transparency and good governance and welcomes the UN rights office assistance in technical and human capacity building activities. Enditem