Legal Framework for Freedom of Expression in Ethiopia, The

From the introduction
This report presents an independent assessment of the current legal framework for freedom of expression in Ethiopia. It identifies the key areas of concern in relation to freedom of expression. The report seeks to provide guidance and recommendations for consideration by the government of Ethiopia and other concerned parties with a view to prospective law reform or the enactment of new laws.

The report explores the evaluation of the legal framework for freedom of expression and media freedom against relevant international and comparative human rights standards. The report begins by setting out relevant international standards and proceeds to examine selected areas of the Ethiopian legal framework against the relevant international and comparative human rights standards.

A number of provisions in the Ethiopian legal framework are in breach of relevant international standards relating to freedom of expression are indicated in the report. "The recommendations therefore call upon the government of Ethiopia to take appropriate legislative and other measures to comply with its international and constitutional obligations to give effect to the right to freedom of expression and media freedom."

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