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

Bank of Abyssinia Signs Partnership with Droga Cooperative

Bank of Abyssinia has entered into a partnership agreement with Droga Health & Financial Savings and Credit Cooperative to provide financial support and services for its members. The agreement was signed yesterday at the Bank's headquarters. The deal aims to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, enabling cooperative members to access tailored banking services. It was signed by Wosenyeleh Abera, Deputy CEO for Customer Relations and Marketing at the bank, and Zelalem Yilma...


Radar

Wegagen Introduces Real Time SWIFT Tracking

Wegagen Bank has launched a new mobile app feature enabling customers to track international SWIFT payments in real time. The bank is the first in Ethiopia to introduce an online SWIFT payment tracking system. By integrating SWIFT Global Payment Innovation, customers, particularly those involved in import-export trade, can monitor cross-border transactions using a Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference (UETR) directly from their smartphones. To use the service, customers select the SWIFT...


Radar

National ID, Zambia Partners to Expands Program Reach

The National ID Program has signed an agreement with Zambia's counterpart to provide consulting services for the development of software that will issue digital IDs. It is the first time the institution has extended its expertise beyond national borders, a sign of growing recognition for its rapid progress. Program officials described the partnership as a milestone in their effort to position themselves as a regional player in digital transformation. The collaboration is expected to center...