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Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Yared Hailemariam, the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC), announced today that he is stepping down from his position.
Yared, who has led the center for the past four years, stated that due to compelling circumstances, he is resigning from his position and the organization effective August 1, 2025.
In his statement issued today, Yared highlighted that the center has been a leading institution in exposing human rights violations committed in the country, particularly those against journalists, civil society members, and human rights defenders, and in publicly advocating for their rights to be respected.
He also acknowledged the crucial role he played in this effort, working alongside the organization’s strong staff and board members.
He stated that for the past year, his public statements and criticisms in the media concerning human rights violations in Ethiopia resulted in him being regarded unfavorably by the ruling government. He alleged that his actions subjected him to various pressures from different directions.
Yared further explained, “Despite the clear threats, intimidation, and harassment I faced from security forces, and the unusual calls I received on my mobile phones, I ignored the obvious risks and focused on my work.”
He further indicated that he had ascertained he could no longer freely operate and effectively fulfill his responsibilities given the circumstances he encountered. Moreover, he stated that personal health issues, which he had attributed to neglecting due to work pressure, also contributed to his decision to step down from his post.
Yared Hailemariam underlined in his statement that any ideas he shares in any way from August 30, 2025, onwards are his own and do not represent the center.
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Dear Obbo Yared Hailemariam,
I would like to thank you for your service to that country we all still hold close to our heard. It was obviously an extremely challenging task when your position is all surrounded by hooligans. You had given comfort to those who were pushed around by those with no regard to the rule of law. I also hope you have left the commission in the hands of the very capable and not politically hinged countryman/woman. InshaAllah!!!
I wish you well and nothing but success in your future endeavor.
….. ‘close to our hearts.’ that is.