The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has announced widespread intimidation, arrests, and deteriorating healthcare conditions as strikes by the country’s health workers enter its second week.
EHRC Chief Commissioner Berhanu Adelo, warned that the strikes, which began on 13 May, are “threatening the public’s right to health and life”, while also raising concerns about the legality and proportionality of government responses.
“Strikes in the health sector gravely impacting the community’s right to health and life,” said the Commissioner. “However, any administrative or legal action taken in response must comply with human rights standards and applicable laws.”
The EHRC confirmed reports of arrests, intimidation, and staff being forced to vacate hospitals and university dormitories across cities such as Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Jimma, Bahir Dar, and Gondar.
The EHRC cited the arrests of numerous professionals, including residents and interns, and described the forced evictions of medical staff from hospital campuses as troubling.
The striking health professionals told APA ongoing intimidation including midnight raids by police, arrests without due process, and harassment for participating in the strike.
The EHRC, through site visits to hospitals including Black Lion, St. Paul’s, and Menelik II in Addis Ababa, confirmed that both full and partial strikes are disrupting services.
ICU patients reportedly lack access to adequate care, and those traveling from rural areas for long-scheduled treatments are being turned away due to staff shortages.
MG/as/APA