The Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn said that his government is dedicated to ensure human right issues at national level.
The premier during his opening speech at the Launching Ceremony for the Second National Human Rights Action Plan said that growth, development, democracy and human right issues are inseparable and irreplaceable which play a pivotal role to realize Ethiopian renaissance.
He noted that high focus is given due human right issues in the deep renewal reform in all levels; the second National Human Rights Action Plan is a concrete exemplary in this regard.
All stakeholders in all levels should play their role for the implementation of the action plan by correcting challenges and replicating the successful deeds, he urged.
Humanitarian Coordinator with the United Nations, Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie, on her part said that Ethiopia has recorded a wonderful achievement in growth, development and has met the Millennium Development Goals (MDG); the government has to exert more effort to ensure democratic and human rights at large.
“Human rights are bedrock for development; besides, it is a litmus test for development of any country to show the extent to which it protects the rights of people”, she added.
Ahunna Eziakonwa-Onochie is optimistic that the UN is ready to support the Ethiopian government in the implementation of the plan.
The Second Action Plan is expected to run until 2020, it was noted.
Walta has learnt that the Action Plan states a developed, comprehensive and structured mechanism to advance the respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights guaranteed by the constitution and international human rights instruments.