Conflicted commitments: Assessing human rights adherence of Ethiopia's rebel groups
This study examines the commitment and compliance of two key rebel groups in the Ethiopian Civil War—the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Oromo Liberation Front—to international human rights norms, utilizing the Jo and Bryant framework of human rights commitment and compliance for non-s...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-01-01
|
| Series: | Social Sciences and Humanities Open |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291125000476 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | This study examines the commitment and compliance of two key rebel groups in the Ethiopian Civil War—the Tigray People's Liberation Front and the Oromo Liberation Front—to international human rights norms, utilizing the Jo and Bryant framework of human rights commitment and compliance for non-state actors as an analytical tool. A systematic secondary document analysis was conducted, with data sourced from national and international media outlets, as well as reports from humanitarian organizations. The Tigray People's Liberation Front is characterized by a more centralized and disciplined organizational structure, which has facilitated greater accountability for its actions. In contrast, the Oromo Liberation Front has faced significant internal fragmentation and weak command, complicating the attribution of responsibility. Despite these organizational differences, both groups share a record of serious human rights violations, including the mistreatment of prisoners of war, mass civilian killings, forced displacements, and the use of child soldiers. While neither group fully adheres to human rights standards, the Tigray People's Liberation Front has demonstrated a relatively greater capacity to facilitate humanitarian aid, although this aid is frequently diverted for military purposes, undermining its intended support for civilians. This diversion reflects a troubling pattern of aid misappropriation that compromises the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. Conversely, the Oromo Liberation Front's lack of cooperation with humanitarian agencies further exacerbates the suffering of affected populations, underscoring the need for both groups to reassess their commitment to humanitarian principles and the protection of civilian rights. The study calls for international actors to exert pressure on both groups to ensure compliance with at least a minimum standard of human rights norms. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2590-2911 |