Communication 341107 - Equality Now v Ethiopia
as female circumcision, child marriage and abduction have been reduced through
criminalisation and awareness creation measures. A national steering committee;
legal care and protection centres; children's violence investigation and prosecution
centres; and victim support units have been established at various levels of
government to provide multi-sectoral solutions to violence against women and
children, child labour and exploitation. There is for these purposes also a Children's
Rights Action Plan (2010/11-2017/18) which is currently being implemented. There
is also a special prosecution group that deals with violence and exploitation of
children.
99.
In order to create awareness on gender equality, rape and other human rights
issues, the government trains law enforcement and security officials, members of
the judiciary, and officials in departments and institution that have a role in the
promotion and protection of human rights. Awareness about the social,
psychological, economic, and physical effects of abduction, sexual and domestic
violence against children is also achieved through annual commemoration of the
anti-violence day.
100.
Regarding the case of Woineshet Zebene Negash, the Respondent State maintains
that it provided adequate and effective remedies based on the amicable settlement
reached with EWLA acting on behalf of the victim. It states that it provided
compensation, employed the victim in one of its institutions, and built a house for
her and delivered the tittle deeds for the same in her name to EWLA. It states that
the victim has since taken leave of absence from her employment. It also took
disciplinary measures against the judge who overturned the convictions by
dismissing him because of his failure to properly apply the applicable law.
101.
As far as it is concerned, the victim through EWLA is satisfied with the remedies
provided. Accordingly, the Respondent State prays that this Communication must
be dismissed. In support of these assertions, the Respondent State refers to and
produces a copy of a letter written by Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association
(EWLA) to the Commission indicating that the State has provided satisfactory
remedies in terms of the amicable settlement, and requesting that the file should be
closed.
Complainant's Reply
102.
The Complainant maintains that the victim discharged EWLA from representing
her in the present Communication and accordingly, Equality Now is the only legal
representative for the victim.