Eleanor Finch
The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia, also known as the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), is the supreme law of the country. The constitution, consisting of 106 articles in 11 chapters, came into force on 21 August 1995 after being drawn up by the Constituent Assembly elected in June 1994. The fundamental principles of the FDRE constitution include respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms, the recognition of Ethiopia as a single economic community, and the protection of the family as the basis of society. The constitution also outlines matters of state nomenclature, territorial jurisdiction, and the Ethiopian flag, with Article 3(1) describing the flag's colours and emblem.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supremacy | The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia is the supreme law of the land. |
| Federalism | The constitution establishes a Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. |
| Rights and Freedoms | The constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including life, liberty, security, expression, and religion, consistent with international human rights laws. |
| Equality | The constitution promotes equality for women and seeks to rectify historical discrimination. |
| Family | The constitution recognises the family as the fundamental basis of society, entitled to protection. |
| Marriage | Religious and customary marriages are recognised, and parties can voluntarily submit disputes for adjudication under religious or customary laws. |
| State Secularism | The constitution ensures the secular nature of the state. |
| Sovereignty | The constitution outlines state sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction, including the right of nations, nationalities, and peoples to establish their own states. |
| Flag and Emblem | The constitution specifies the design of the Ethiopian flag and emblem, with provisions for the use of respective flags and emblems by members of the Federation. |
| Democracy | The constitution emphasises the importance of maintaining peace and democracy. |
| Economic Community | There is a stated necessity to build a single economic community to promote common rights, freedoms, and interests. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Equality for women
The 1995 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) outlines several fundamental principles regarding equality for women.
Firstly, the Constitution guarantees women equal rights with men in the enjoyment of the rights and protections guaranteed to all Ethiopians. This includes the right to marry and found a family, with both spouses having equal rights during marriage and at the time of divorce. The Constitution also stipulates that marriage shall only be entered into with the free and full consent of both parties, and it recognises religious and customary marriages.
Secondly, the Constitution addresses the historical legacy of inequality and discrimination faced by women in Ethiopia. To remedy this, the Constitution entitles women to affirmative measures, or positive discrimination, to enable them to compete and participate on an equal basis with men in political, social, and economic life, as well as in public and private institutions. This includes the right to equal pay, including during maternity leave, and the right to access family planning education and information to safeguard their health.
Thirdly, the Constitution grants women specific economic and social rights. For example, women have the right to acquire, administer, control, enjoy, and dispose of property, including land, and they have equal rights of inheritance with men. The Constitution also promotes the equal participation of women with men in all economic and social development activities, and it guarantees the right to education, which shall be free from religious, political, and cultural influences.
Lastly, the Constitution prohibits all laws, stereotypes, and customs that oppress women or adversely affect their physical and mental well-being. This includes the duty of the State to guarantee women's right to be free from harmful customary practices.
USC Med School: Science GPA Course Requirements
You may want to see also
Freedom of religion
The 1995 Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) is recognised for its emphasis on human rights and the rights of citizens within the country. Chapter Three of the Constitution outlines various rights that citizens are entitled to, ensuring the protection of individual freedoms and promoting democratic governance.
One of the fundamental principles of the 1995 FDRE Constitution is the right to religious freedom. The Constitution guarantees the freedom to practice any religion or none at all, promoting tolerance and pluralism in society. This means that individuals are free to manifest their religious beliefs or opinions, subject only to limitations prescribed by law and necessary to protect public safety, order, health, morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others, as well as to ensure the secular nature of the state.
The right to religious freedom is a key component of the FDRE Constitution's commitment to protecting human rights and individual freedoms. It allows individuals to freely practice their chosen religion or belief system without interference from the state. This right is essential for maintaining a democratic society and empowering citizens to hold the government accountable.
In addition to freedom of religion, the FDRE Constitution also guarantees the right to equality, freedom of expression, and the right to assembly. These rights enable citizens to actively participate in society, express their opinions, and gather peacefully for demonstrations or public gatherings without government interference.
The FDRE Constitution has been subjected to some criticism and constitutional crises, with some claiming that it was drafted behind closed doors and enacted overnight. However, the constitution has also been recognised for its role in protecting the sovereignty of nations and nationalities within Ethiopia, and there is significant public support for its ethno-territorial system.
The Northwest Ordinance: Constitutional Foundation of the US
You may want to see also
Right to life
The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia, also known as the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, outlines fundamental principles that emphasise the rights and freedoms of individuals and groups within the nation. The constitution, which consists of 106 articles in 11 chapters, expresses a commitment to upholding basic human rights and details the mechanisms for ensuring their protection.
One of the fundamental principles enshrined in the FDRE Constitution is the "Right to Life, Liberty and Security of Person". This right is articulated in Article 14, which states that everyone, by virtue of their humanity, possesses an inalienable and inviolable right to life, liberty, and security. This is further reinforced in Article 15, which unequivocally affirms that every human being has the right to life and that no one shall be deprived of their life except by reason of a conviction in accordance with the law for a serious crime committed.
The "Right to Life" provision in the FDRE Constitution goes beyond just the physical act of taking life. It also includes protections against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment and prohibits slavery and servitude. The constitution explicitly condemns human trafficking in any form. These additional clauses underscore the comprehensive nature of the "Right to Life" guarantee, ensuring that individuals are protected not only from unlawful death but also from other forms of harm or exploitation that violate their inherent dignity.
Furthermore, the FDRE Constitution recognises the importance of maintaining peace, democracy, and the rule of law. It empowers the Council of Ministers to take necessary measures during a state of emergency to protect the life of the nation, public security, and law and order. However, even in such exceptional circumstances, the constitution explicitly restricts the Council's ability to restrict certain fundamental rights provided under Articles 1, 18, 25, and Sub-Articles (1) and (2) of Article 39.
The constitution also acknowledges the role of culture, religion, and historical context in shaping the rights and freedoms it guarantees. It allows for the recognition of religious and customary marriages and the voluntary submission of disputes for adjudication in accordance with religious or customary laws. Additionally, the FDRE Constitution promotes freedom of expression, freedom of movement, and the right to change citizenship. It also emphasises the equality of women, addressing historical discrimination and introducing affirmative action to bring about corrective changes.
The Progressive Movement: Arizona Constitution's Foundation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$32.52 $32.52
Freedom of expression
The 1995 FDRE Constitution outlines the rights and freedoms of the people of Ethiopia. It establishes a federal and democratic state structure, with the Ethiopian State officially named the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
One of the fundamental principles of the Constitution is freedom of expression, which is outlined in Article 2:
> Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression without interference. This right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through other media of his choice.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and the freedom to seek and receive information without interference. This includes the freedom to express oneself through any medium, including art, and to access information of public interest. The right to freedom of expression is also extended to the press and mass media, with institutional independence and legal protection granted to accommodate different opinions and ensure the free flow of information. Censorship is prohibited, and any media financed or controlled by the government must be organised in a way that accommodates differences of opinion.
The right to freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, inherent to all people, and is inalienable and inviolable, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international human rights covenants, and conventions ratified by Ethiopia.
Religious Freedom: Do Companies Have Constitutional Rights?
You may want to see also
Respect for family
The 1995 FDRE Constitution established Ethiopia's federal and democratic system of government, guaranteeing special rights for women and children. It is based on democratic values, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.
The Ethiopian Constitution recognises that the family is the "natural and fundamental basis of society" and is therefore entitled to protection from society and the state. This includes the right to religious and customary marriages, which may be determined by law. The Constitution also guarantees equal rights for women in marriage, as well as the right to maternity leave with full remuneration. It also provides women with the right to demand that their opinions be heard on matters of national development policies and projects affecting their interests.
The Constitution further recognises the need to rectify historically distorted relationships and promote common interests among the various cultures and religions in Ethiopia. It guarantees freedom of expression and freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs, as long as it does not infringe upon public safety, order, health, or morals, or the fundamental rights and freedoms of others.
The Ethiopian Constitution also emphasises the importance of maintaining peace and democracy, ensuring the development of a single economic community, and promoting the common rights, freedoms, and interests of all Ethiopians. It guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including the right to life, liberty, security, and freedom of expression. These rights shall be interpreted consistently with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights covenants and conventions ratified by Ethiopia.
The US Constitution: Flaws and Weaknesses
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The 1995 Constitution of Ethiopia, or the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE), is the supreme law of the country. It came into force on 21 August 1995 after being ratified by elected representatives on 8 December 1994.
The 1995 FDRE Constitution outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals and nations, with a focus on equality and the development of various cultures and religions. It also establishes the sovereignty of the constitution, democratic rights, the separation of state and religion, and government accountability.
The constitution guarantees the right to life, liberty, and security of the person. It also ensures freedom of expression, freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs, and equal rights for women. Additionally, it protects the rights of nations, nationalities, and peoples to establish their own states and outlines the specifics of the Ethiopian flag and emblem.
The 1995 FDRE Constitution has been subject to some criticism and constitutional crises. Opponents argue that it has been a source of ethnic conflicts within the country. However, a 2022 report by the Policy Studies Institute found significant support for the constitution, especially regarding the protection of the sovereignty of nations and nationalities. There is also support for an amendment to Article 39, which contains the right to secession.
