Arba Minch University (AMU) School of Law along with United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Celebrated International Human Rights Day colorfully with different events on December 10, 2025 at Chamo Campus. Click here to see more photos.
Dr. Abera Uncha, Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, in his opening speech said that human rights represent the fundamental freedoms inherent to all people and are universally protected by international laws and treaties. “These rights are not granted by any state but arise simply from being human, applying regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status,” he emphasized. He added that celebrating International Human Rights Day is not enough; it is an opportunity to confront current crises, including rising authoritarianism, deepening inequalities, and climate impacts that disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. Dr. Abera further commended the School of Law staff for their dedication and service to the community and expressed his gratitude to the event organizers for their efforts in raising awareness and fostering community engagement.
Mr. Abreham Kinfe, Dean of the School of Law, highlighted that international human rights are universal, inherent rights belonging to all people, regardless of status, and are protected by international law, obligating governments to respect, protect, and fulfill them. “These rights, which include life, freedom, education, and health, are grounded in foundational documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), forming a global standard for dignity, justice, and equality worldwide,” he explained. He emphasized that human rights encompass civil, political, economic, social, and cultural aspects, and that International Human Rights Day promotes core principles such as freedom, equality, respect, and justice, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity. Mr. Abreham noted that the day is marked globally through 16 days of activities and it is being celebrated for the first time at the school level at AMU this year.
Mr. Getinet Debalke, Coordinator of the Community Engagement Coordination Office at AMU’s School of Law, outlined the school’s contributions to the community and AMU staff since its establishment. He explained that International Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10, marks the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly. “The day serves as a global call to reaffirm universal rights, promote dignity, equality, and justice, and reflect on ongoing struggles against oppression, discrimination, and human rights abuses worldwide,” he said. Mr. Getinet added that it is an occasion to recognize achievements, raise awareness, and mobilize action for a fairer world, emphasizing that human rights are essential for peace and stability, not optional extras. Highlighting this year’s theme, ‘Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials’, he underscored that rights are not abstract or distant concepts, they are the freedoms we rely on daily: to speak, to learn, to work with dignity, and to live free from discrimination.
Mr. Getinet Debalke also presented a paper titled “Access to Justice and Equality: The Role of Universities” and noted that the event was organized by the School of Law Community Engagement Coordination Office in collaboration with the AMU Human Rights Association, and the UNODC; and funded by the European Union (EU). “Through our initiatives, we provide free legal services in eight zone centers across the Southern Ethiopia Region,” he added, underscoring the school’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and access to justice.
Mr. Emishaw Teshome, instructor at the School of Law, presented a paper titled “Ensuring Justice and Equality: The Architecture of the Human Rights Framework.” Additionally, key messages on gender-based violence were delivered by the Gender Team Leader of the AMU Human Rights Association, highlighting the importance of promoting equality and safeguarding human rights within the community.
Ms. Evelyn Tamirat, a fourth-year Law School student and President of the AMU Human Rights Association, said, the day is closely linked to the work of their association and is celebrated to raise awareness among students and the wider university community about international human rights law. “It honors human rights defenders and encourages global solidarity to protect rights, support activists, and ensure these principles remain central to development,” she explained. She added that December 10 is a significant day for the university and expressed hope that in the future, the celebration will take place at the university level.
A debate on the topic “Security Measures Should Not Override Fundamental Human Rights in Ethiopia” was held between Law School students; the winning team received ETB 4,000 prize and a certificate of recognition, while the runner-up team was awarded ETB 1,000 and a certificate of participation. Other competitions, including poetry, essay writing, and poster design, also took place during the event. Winners of each of these activities received ETB 2,000 and a certificate of recognition, while all other participants were given certificates of participation, celebrating their contributions and engagement in promoting human rights awareness.
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Public and International Relations Executive
