Civil Society Organization Advocates for Enhanced CSO Participation in Transitional Justice ADDIS ABABA (ENA) — A civil society organization (CSO) has emphasized the crucial role of civil society involvement in transitional justice processes to guarantee comprehensive and inclusive reconciliation. The statement was made during a discussion forum hosted by the CSO to address the critical need to strengthen the participation of CSOs in transitional justice initiatives. The organization pointed out that CSOs play a vital role in documenting human rights violations, providing support to victims, and advocating for their rights. They also provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard and contribute to the healing and rebuilding process. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by CSOs in fully participating in transitional justice processes, including limited access to information, lack of funding, and intimidation or harassment. To address these challenges, the CSO called for increased support from governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders. This support could include providing financial resources, creating enabling environments for CSO operations, and ensuring their protection from reprisals. The organization also emphasized the need for CSOs to work together and coordinate their efforts to maximize their impact. By collaborating, CSOs can share information, resources, and expertise, and present a more unified voice in advocating for transitional justice. The discussion forum concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to recognize the vital role of CSOs in transitional justice processes. By strengthening their participation, societies can ensure that transitional justice is inclusive, victim-centered, and leads to meaningful reconciliation.Highlighting Civil Society’s Role in Ethiopia’s Transitional JusticeHighlighting Civil Society’s Role in Ethiopia’s Transitional Justice Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR), an Ethiopian civil society organization, has emphasized the importance of civil society’s participation in the country’s ongoing transitional justice process. According to Executive Director Ameha Mekonnen, CSOs play a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth, social justice, and human rights. Mekonnen praised the participation of civil society organizations in the development of the transitional justice policy, which has undergone extensive stakeholder consultation. He believes this engagement should continue throughout the policy’s implementation for its successful realization. CSOs are vital in raising public awareness, building capacity, and providing technical support during this stage. Their input is essential in addressing criminal accountability, reparations, truth-seeking, and institutional reforms outlined in the roadmap for policy implementation. The Ministry of Justice has established a system for CSO members to participate in collaborative institutional mechanisms for the management and implementation of transitional justice. Mekonnen expressed hope that this commitment to civil society’s involvement would continue. Ethiopia’s Transitional Justice Policy, approved in April 2024, aims to ensure accountability, reconciliation, and reparation. LHR’s advocacy highlights the crucial role of civil society in fostering a just and inclusive process that addresses past human rights violations and promotes lasting peace and stability in the country.Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a critical role in promoting transitional justice and ensuring that the voices of victims are heard, a civil society organization highlighted. The organization emphasized the need to strengthen the participation of CSOs in transitional justice processes, noting that their involvement is essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and preventing future atrocities. CSOs can provide valuable insights into the experiences of victims, monitor human rights violations, and advocate for their rights. They can also help to build trust between communities and institutions, and promote reconciliation and healing. The organization called on governments and international organizations to take steps to support the participation of CSOs in transitional justice processes. This includes providing funding, technical assistance, and legal protection for CSOs. It also urged CSOs to strengthen their networks and collaborations, and to develop strategies for engaging with governments and other stakeholders. By strengthening the participation of CSOs in transitional justice, we can help to ensure that the voices of victims are heard, that perpetrators are held accountable, and that future atrocities are prevented.