Preserving the Possibility of Justice in Ethiopia
Accountability for mass atrocity crimes often becomes possible only years — or decades — after crimes are committed. For these domestic justice avenues to remain viable, evidence must be collected and preserved in line with international standards. CJA is working with Ethiopian civil society to ensure these justice pathways remain viable.
In 2021, CJA began working with Ethiopian partners to help ensure that evidence of atrocity crimes committed during the northern Ethiopia conflict is preserved and that survivors’ experiences are documented in ways that can support future accountability efforts.
Building the Foundation for Future Accountability
CJA partnered with Ethiopian human rights defenders and civil society organizations to strengthen their capacity to document atrocity crimes reported during the war, including conflict-related sexual violence, mass executions, and the targeting of ethnic minority communities.
Through workshops, mentorship, and hands-on investigative support, CJA has trained and worked closely with more than a dozen human rights defenders and partnered with organizations including TGHAT, Irob Anina, and OMNA Tigray. This support includes:
- Training in survivor-centered, trauma-informed interviewing
- Guidance on investigation planning and evidence analysis
- Support for secure data storage and digital protection
These partnerships help ensure that documentation efforts led by the communities impacted by the crimes, so that they are survivor-centered, credible, and sustainable. They also ensure the information collected is available for potential future legal processes.
