On September 8, 2025, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), in collaboration with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR), held a multi-stakeholder consultation in Addis Ababa on “The Right to Food and Human Rights-Based Approach.” The consultation focused on promoting the integration of Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) principles into Ethiopia’s national food system policies and practices.
The event brought together representatives from various sectors, including the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR) standing committees, government institutions, civil society organizations, and community-based cooperatives. Discussions centered on key issues such as state obligations under the right to food, the principles of HRBA, the interlinkage between food systems and human rights, and the existing legal frameworks.
A panel discussion explored the current challenges, opportunities, and pathways for advancing the right to food and other related human rights within Ethiopia’s food system. The need for coordinated action among stakeholders was emphasized, along with the importance of prioritizing vulnerable groups like women, persons with disabilities, and rural populations.
Zerihun Lemma, Country Director of IIRR, highlighted the importance of inclusivity in food system efforts, while Dr. Abdi Jibril, EHRC Commissioner for Civil, Political and Socio-Economic Rights, stressed the need to ensure availability, accessibility, and cultural acceptability of food for vulnerable groups.
