UPDATE ON THE ARBITRARY SUSPENSION OF CARD

Update on CARD's Arbitrary Suspension and Ongoing Engagements with ACSO 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

10 December 2024 

The Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD) provides this update regarding the arbitrary suspension of our operations by the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO). Since our initial public announcement on 22 November 2024, we have been working tirelessly to address this situation with transparency and constructive engagement. 

Background on the Suspension

 On 14 November 2024, CARD received a formal letter from ACSO notifying us of the suspension. The letter alleged a “lack of political neutrality” and accused CARD of “activities deemed contrary to the interests of the state”. We once again categorically reject any such claims. Instead, CARD is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights and advancing democratization in Ethiopia. Our focus on national initiatives, like the National Dialogue, is driven by our goal to support the development of a democratic system. CARD actively participates in these efforts through programs and projects that align with the Ethiopian Constitution and other applicable laws. Our research and policy advocacy works aim to enhance and improve these processes for the benefit of all stakeholders involved. 

On the other hand, the suspension ACSO imposed upon us failed to adhere to the due process of the law, including the duty of providing prior notification and/warnings, conducting a transparent investigation, and involving CARD in the investigation, as clearly provided in the Civic Societies Proclamation. Furthermore, blocking of CARD’s bank accounts is in contravention of the Civil Society Proclamation, which explicitly prohibits actions that jeopardize the existence of civil society organizations during investigations. 

Recent Engagements with ACSO 

Be that as it may, our belief in constructively engaging with the Authority in a bid to resolve the matter through dialogue remains strong. In this regard, on 25 November 2024, a delegation from CARD met with ACSO higher officials, at the Authority’s office. During this meeting, we articulated our position regarding the allegations against us, categorically rejecting claims that CARD is politically biased or engaged in harmful activities. Instead, we emphasized our commitment to monitoring national initiatives to contribute to their greater degree of success. During engagements, despite maintaining the allegations against CARD, ACSO acknowledged some of the abovementioned procedural flaws regarding the arbitrary suspension and promised to reverse certain measures in a matter of days. After three weeks, these commitments remain unfulfilled. Consequently, our essential operations have been severely disrupted, exacerbating the challenges we face. These flagrant procedural flaws and reluctance to timely rectify some of these illegal and arbitrary measures, despite our sincere efforts in discussions, leave us with little choice but to believe that these measures are politically motivated and pose a significant threat to civic space in Ethiopia.

Subsequent to our repeated efforts to engage, ACSO dispatched monitoring teams to CARD’s office on 21 and 27 November 2024 and reviewed our projects, funding sources, and operational processes. After extensive discussions with both teams, CARD is of the opinion that there is nothing that would substantiate the allegations against us. 

Current Situation and Way Forward

 As we approach one month of suspension, the lack of urgency from ACSO in resolving this matter remains deeply concerning. The suspension has halted all operations, delayed payments to service providers, and compounded the challenges we face. 

While we remain committed to constructive engagement, the delay on the part of relevant Authorities compels us to explore all legal avenues to contest and reverse this suspension. As part of this process, CARD has submitted an appeal to the ACSO Board, calling for a comprehensive review of the decision and the immediate restoration of our operational status. We believe that an impartial review at the Board level can provide an opportunity to rectify this unjust suspension and uphold the principles of fairness and due process.

Finally, we respectfully request ACSO to:

 • Expedite the resolution of this matter to ensure the immediate resumption of CARD’s operations.

 • Fulfill its legal obligations, including unblocking our accounts and allowing payment of non-programmatic expenses for which CARD is facing consequences of failure to fulfil contractual obligations. We also call upon key stakeholders to contribute to timely reversal of CARD’s arbitrary suspension:

 • The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) - As the national institution mandated to safeguard human rights, we urge EHRC to actively engage with ACSO to address this matter and ensure compliance with national and international standards for the protection of civil society. We also request EHRC to amplify its advocacy for the principles of justice, fairness, and due process in this case.

 • The Government of Ethiopia, particularly the Ministry of Justice to support efforts to protect civic space and work with ACSO to uphold the essential role of civil society organizations in Ethiopia. 

• Our friends and partners to raise awareness about this issue and stand in solidarity with CARD in advocating for a just and timely resolution. We deeply appreciate your unwavering support and commitment to our mission. We will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves and remain resolute in pursuing a positive resolution while upholding the integrity of our organization.

 With gratitude and resolve, 

Centre for Advancement of Rights and Democracy (CARD)

Please find the Amharic version of our statement here