Addis Ababa, June 25, 2025 (FMC) — The Regional Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for East Africa, Mr. Marcel Akpovo, praised the Ethiopian National Defense Forces for their competence and professionalism in peacekeeping missions during a meeting with Ethiopia’s Minister of Defense, Engineer Aisha Mohammed, in Addis Ababa today.
During the meeting, both dignitaries highlighted Ethiopia’s growing role in international peace and security, as well as its ongoing efforts to modernize its defense institutions.
Mr. Akpovo described Ethiopia’s current work to reform its security and safety systems as a model that could inspire other nations in the region.
He also noted that the OHCHR is actively engaged with several Ethiopian institutions on human rights issues and reaffirmed the OHCHR Eastern Africa Regional Office’s (OHCHR‑EARO) readiness to expand its support across additional areas of mutual interest.
Minister Aisha, for her part, expressed appreciation for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and its continued collaboration with Ethiopia.
She reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Commission, particularly in areas such as human rights training and institutional capacity building.
The Ministry of Defense told Fana Media Corporation that the meeting reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between Ethiopia and the UN in advancing human rights, regional peace, and institutional development.