Why Ethiopia Should Ratify the African Disability Rights Protocol

Introduction

In January 2018, African states gathered in Addis Ababa to adopt the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (African Disability Rights Protocol). This groundbreaking instrument aims to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the continent, aligning with—yet going beyond—the scope of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Although the Protocol came into force on June 5, 2024, Ethiopia has yet to sign or ratify it. This article reflects on the key potential benefits of ratifying the Protocol for Ethiopia and its disability community.

The African Disability Rights Protocol: An African Answer to Disability Justice

The protocol addresses context-specific issues such as:

• Harmful traditional practices
• Discrimination against people with albinism
• Cultural exclusion
• Community-based living models
• Rights for caregivers and family members

It requires legal and policy reform, and enables enforcement through the African Commission and African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Disability Rights in Ethiopia: A Reality Check

In Ethiopia, over 17% of the population lives with some form of disability. Key challenges include:

• Extreme poverty
• Exclusion from education and health services
• Stigma and discriminatory cultural beliefs
• Lack of reasonable accommodation
• Marginalization of women and children with disabilities

Why Ethiopia Should Ratify the Protocol

1. Contextual Legal Protection

The Protocol speaks directly to the lived realities of Africans with disabilities. In Ethiopia, harmful traditional beliefs often cast disability as a curse or punishment, leading to widespread stigma and social exclusion. The Protocol specifically calls for the abolition of harmful practices, including witchcraft accusations, forced isolation, and ritual killings—issues not explicitly addressed by global conventions like the CRPD. Ratifying the Protocol would empower Ethiopia to reform outdated norms and protect individuals at risk through culturally relevant legal tools.

2. No New Legal Burden

Ethiopia has already ratified multiple international human rights instruments, including the CRPD, which contains obligations similar to those in the African Disability Rights Protocol. Ratifying the Protocol would not introduce unfamiliar responsibilities but would reinforce and contextualize existing commitments. Furthermore, the reporting and implementation mechanisms already align with Ethiopia’s legal and institutional framework, minimizing disruption while enhancing rights protection.

3. Raises Public Awareness

The Protocol mandates state parties to promote widespread awareness of disability rights through education, advocacy campaigns, and public engagement. In a country where disability is often misunderstood or misrepresented, this obligation is particularly vital. Ratifying the Protocol would catalyze efforts to change perceptions and promote inclusive values, making disability rights a visible part of Ethiopia’s social dialogue.

4. Financially Feasible

One common concern is the financial implication of implementing international treaties. However, the Protocol does not place unrealistic economic demands on its signatories. Instead, it encourages the efficient use of existing resources to achieve measurable progress. Ethiopia can leverage its current structures—such as social welfare, public health, and inclusive education frameworks—to fulfill the Protocol's objectives without incurring significant additional costs.

5. Enhances Ethiopia's Regional Reputation

Ratifying the Protocol would demonstrate Ethiopia's commitment to upholding human dignity, equality, and social justice. It would place the country among progressive African nations that prioritize the rights of marginalized populations. Such a step would not only elevate Ethiopia’s standing in the African Union and human rights forums but could also inspire other states in the region to follow suit.

6. Attracts International Support

International actors—including development agencies, humanitarian organizations, and ethical investors—often favor countries that respect and promote human rights. By ratifying the Protocol, Ethiopia could attract technical assistance, training programs, donor funding, and even economic investment tied to responsible governance. The move could also strengthen Ethiopia’s access to disability-specific resources from organizations working on inclusive development, accessibility, and social protection.

Conclusion

The African Disability Rights Protocol offers Ethiopia a vital opportunity to reinforce its commitment to human rights, equality, and inclusion. It's time to turn intentions into action by ratifying the protocol and strengthening protections for PWDs.

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Title: Reflections on the Key Potential Benefits of Ratifying and Implementing African Disability Rights Protocol for Ethiopia and PWDs

Appendix: Key Legal References in the Protocol

• Article 1 – Definitions
• Article 2 – Purpose of the Protocol
• Article 3 – Guiding Principles
• Article 4 – State Obligations
• Articles 5–6 – Equality and Non-Discrimination
• Articles 27–30 – Rights of Women, Children, Youth, and Older PWDs
• Article 11 – Elimination of Harmful Practices
• Article 14 – Right to Community Living
• Article 17 – Health Rights
• Article 18 – Habilitation and Rehabilitation
• Article 19 – Employment Rights
• Article 24 – Political Participation
• Articles 33–36 – Enforcement Mechanisms
• Article 38 – Entry into Force