Human Right Association Urges Industrial Parks to Combat Labor Abuses

Jun 11 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

A call to establish an independent inspection body within industrial parks and monitor labour practices was made by the Association of Human Rights in Ethiopia. The impact of domestic conflict, human rights violations, and a struggling global economy paints a concerning picture of the country's labour market, according to a report by the Association. The report cites the ongoing conflict in the northern part of the country as a key factor hindering job creation and investment. The report links the recent war to Ethiopia's delisting from the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA), a blow to its garment industry and a potential source of job losses. While the study does not solely focus on domestic issues, it acknowledges the ongoing pandemic and global recession's negative impact on employability in Ethiopia. These factors, coupled with the internal conflict, create a difficult environment for job seekers. The report reveals a troubling trend of human rights abuses against vulnerable workers and identifies cases of labour exploitation, contract violations, gender-based harassment, and wage theft, particularly in industrial parks and through private employment agencies. The report does not shy away from criticising the current legal framework. It calls for revising laws concerning private employment agencies to better protect workers' rights.


Radar

State-Owned Enterprises Deliver, But Fund Seeks More from Underperformers

Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), the country's sovereign wealth fund, closed its annual performance review with a mix of strong gains and lingering concerns across its portfolio of state-owned enterprises. Ethiopian Shipping & Logistics led the year with 4.5 million tons of cargo, driving revenues up 90pc and doubling pre-tax profit. Sugar production from Wonji Shoa, Metehara, and Fincha climbed 34.8pc to 163,290 tons, nearly doubling revenues to 15.6 billion Br, though EIH flagged ch...


Radar

MIDROC Cocoa Drive, Local Production Focus on Value Addition

MIDROC Investment Group is placing a bold wager on cocoa in the lowlands of Sheka. Building on extensive trials at the Bebeka Coffee State Farm, the company has introduced globally prized Forastero, Trinitario, and Criollo varieties alongside coffee. "The results are astonishing," said General Manager Beshada Worku, pointing to international prices that range from 8,200 to 14,000 dollars a ton. The project's first phase covers 50 hectares, with 44,000 seedlings already planted. Expansion to ...


Radar

Bureau Maps Out 1,700 Land Rights in a Month

The Rights Registration & Holding Service Directorate under the Bureau of Land Development & Administration prepared over 1,700 landholding certification maps in a single month. The update came during the bureau's July performance review, which measured progress against the upcoming fiscal year's targets. Director Tesfamichael Endale said efforts are being scaled up to give farmers secure land rights and quicker certification. Deputy Head WendwossenBanjaw added that the priority ahead...