Informe provisional - Informe núm. 365, Noviembre 2012

Caso núm. 2516 (Etiopía) - Fecha de presentación de la queja:: 11-SEP-06 - Cerrado

Allegations: The complainant organizations allege serious violations of the ETA’s trade union rights including continuous interference in its internal organization preventing it from functioning normally, and interference by way of threats, dismissals, arrest, detention and maltreatment of ETA members

1. 668. The Committee last examined this case at its November 2011 meeting, when it presented an interim report to the Governing Body [see 362nd Report, paras 776–808, approved by the Governing Body at its 312th Session (November 2011)].
2. 669. The Government sent its observations in communications dated 7 March and 8 October 2012.
3. 670. Ethiopia has ratified the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention, 1948 (No. 87), and the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98).

A. Previous examination of the case

1. 671. At its November 2011 meeting, the Committee considered it was necessary to draw the special attention of the Governing Body to this case because of the extreme seriousness and urgency of the matters dealt with therein and made the following recommendations [see 362nd Report, paras 4 and 808]:
   • (a) The Committee deeply regrets that, despite the time that has elapsed since the last examination of this case by the Committee, the Government has not provided any new information nor replied to the complainant’s allegations, although it has been invited on several occasions, including by means of an urgent appeal, to present its comments and observations on the case. The Committee therefore urges the Government to be more cooperative in the future.
   • (b) The Committee strongly urges the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that the appropriate authorities register the NTA without delay so that teachers may fully exercise their right to form organizations for the furthering and defence of teachers’ occupational interests without further delay. It urges the Government to keep it informed of the progress made in this respect.
   • (c) The Committee strongly urges the Government to take the necessary measures, without delay, to ensure that the Charities and Societies Proclamation is not applicable to workers’ and employers’ organizations and that such organizations are ensured effective recognition through legislation which is in full conformity with the Convention. It requests the Government to provide information on all steps taken in this regard.
   • (d) The Committee urges the Government to provide all relevant information on the application in practice of the Council of Ministers’ Regulation to reinforce Charities and Societies Proclamation, as well as on Proclamation No. 652/2009 on Anti-Terrorism. It requests the Government to take the necessary measures to ensure that the existing legislation in general, and the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, in particular, are not used in practice to intimidate and harass trade unionists and to keep it informed of all measures taken in this respect.
   • (e) The Committee strongly urges the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the freedom of association rights of civil servants, including teachers in the public sector, are fully guaranteed and to keep it informed of all progress made in this respect.
   • (f) The Committee once again urges the Government to initiate without delay an independent inquiry into the allegations of torture and maltreatment of the detained persons, led by a person that has the confidence of all the parties concerned, and if it is found that they have been subjected to maltreatment, to punish those responsible and to ensure appropriate compensation for any damages suffered. It urges the Government to keep it informed without delay of the steps taken in this regard, the results of the inquiry, as well as that of any other investigations that have been carried out in relation to these allegations.
   • (g) The Committee once again invites the complainant to provide further information on the dismissal in 1995 of Kinfe Abate.
   • (h) The Committee once again urges the Government to provide without delay information on the alleged denial of reinstatement of Nikodimos Aramdie and Wondewosen Beyene.
   • (i) The Committee urges the Government to take the necessary measures without delay in order to ensure the payment of lost wages to Ms Demissie, as well as adequate indemnities or penalties constituting a sufficiently dissuasive sanction against any further act of anti-union discrimination. It urges the Government to keep it informed in this respect without delay.
   • (j) The Committee requests the Government to provide its observations on the new allegations of harassment of NTA activists submitted by EI.
   • (k) The Committee once again urges the Government to initiate a full and independent investigation into the allegations of harassment in September–November 2007 of Ms Berhanework Zewdie, Ms Aregash Abu, Ms Elfinesh Demissie and Mr Wasihun Melese, all members of the National Executive Board of the complainant organization; as well as over 50 of its prominent activists in order to determine responsibilities, punish the guilty parties and prevent the repetition of similar acts. It requests the Government to keep it informed in this respect.
   • (l) The Committee once again urges the Government to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of harassment of seven trade unionists which occurred between February and August 2008 and to provide a detailed reply as to its outcome.
   • (m) The Committee draws the attention of the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations to the legislative aspects of this case.
   • (n) The Committee calls the Governing Body’s attention to the extreme seriousness and urgent nature of this case.

B. The Government’s reply

1. 672. In its communications dated 7 March and 8 October 2012, the Government points out that the main issue raised in this case implies that there is another legitimate teachers’ union than the Ethiopian Teachers’ Association (ETA). However, the Government has no mandate to grant or deny registration to any association; rather it is bound by law to work with any legally registered interlocutor of any trade or profession. As far as teachers are concerned, the only lawful association is the ETA. The Government reiterates, with regard to the refusal to register the National Teachers Association (NTA), that the Ministry of Justice denied registration because another association had already been registered under a similar name. The NTA took the case to the courts, which all confirmed the Ministry’s decision on the basis of the fact that by the time of the NTA’s appeal, a new proclamation, the Charities and Societies Act, transferred jurisdiction over registration to a new agency, the Charities and Societies Agency (CSA). The Government once again explains that the NTA applied for registration to the CSA, but the agency upheld the previous decision denying registration and referred, in addition, to the time that has elapsed between the NTA’s establishment and its application for registration. With regard to the NTA’s complaint that it had never received the CSA’s decision in writing, the Government points out that after receiving an application for registration, the CSA may issue a valid certificate or reject the application and explain the basis of its decision. The CSA is not obliged to provide a written explanation. Moreover, a written explanation is not a prerequisite for lodging an appeal against an unfavourable decision. According to the Government, in the present case, the CSA had indeed prepared a written document addressed to the NTA, which the latter failed to collect from the CSA’s office. The Government considers that the NTA deliberately distorts the procedure to cover up its own negligence and other failures to lodge an appeal on time.
2. 673. With regard to the NTA’s allegation that due to the denial of registration, it suffers harassment as it is forced to move its offices from place to place because landlords require a registration certificate before providing a lease and the complainant’s concern that the Government could bring charges against it based on the anti-terrorism legislation, the Government considers that the NTA failed to provide detailed information on the matter. It explains that, in Ethiopia, a contractual relationship involving lease of immovable properties is governed by the Civil Code. A contractual relationship has nothing to do with political persuasion or political motive. The law of the land provides full legal protection of tenure for tenants regardless of their political identity. If a landlord abuses tenants’ rights, the aggrieved party can seek remedy before the courts. The Civil Code contains provisions to protect the rights of tenants. Politics plays no role in the renting and leasing process: if that was not the case, none of the numerous regional and national political parties would have had an office to conduct their constitutionally protected political activities. In Ethiopia, landlords are required to verify the registration licence and identity cards of any lessee, regardless of whether it is an individual or an organization.
3. 674. The Government recalls that it has been subject to repeated terrorist attacks. Considering the gravity of the danger which the country is facing, the Government urges landlords to verify the identities of all renters in order to ensure public safety. It is against this backdrop that the new anti-terrorism legislation was enacted. This law provides to citizens full protection against unlawful search of domicile or place of work, or seizure. The Government points out that this, however, does not mean a duly issued search warrant cannot be executed. The Government stresses that the anti-terrorism legislation does not violate the provisions of the Constitution and considers that the NTA’s claim that it could be charged under this legislation is a deliberate ploy to create hysteria; no law-abiding political opponent, much less trade union member, has ever and never will be charged under its provisions. The Government reiterates that public safety is its top priority and that as foreign-sponsored incidents were increasing, it was imperative to establish a legal framework to prevent deadly random acts of terrorism. The Government points out that the new Anti-Terrorism Proclamation does not differ from any European anti-terrorist laws and was adopted after a long process on the basis of other countries’ best practices in drafting such laws. In the Government’s view, Education International (EI) has no right to evaluate the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation No. 625/2009 which was promulgated by the House of Peoples’ Representatives. The Proclamation respects international standards and practices in carrying out anti-terrorist activities. The Government therefore considers that criticizing the Proclamation is an unfair intrusion in the internal affairs of a sovereign State.
4. 675. With regard to the Ruling Party Publication for the Senior Cadres, the Government explains that every political party has vested interest in expanding its membership and supporters. Likewise, any citizen, including teachers and students, has the right to join any political party based on his/her own interest. In the same vein, the party publishes training documents to update and upgrade its leaders’ political skills and performance level. Criticizing the ruling party for producing booklets for the use of its membership is an encroachment of its rights. The Government states that contrary to the allegations in this case, it does not interfere in associations’ internal affairs. The Government believes that without the free and unfettered operation of independent associations, the democratization effort in the country will not succeed. The proliferation of associations and trade unions and the expansion of their membership underscore the Government’s commitment to freedom of association. The current Government, which has the popular mandate to administer the country, was formed by the ruling party and by virtue of its seats in Parliament, the ruling party formulates the Government’s policies. Most cabinet members and high officials that oversee implementation of these policies can be ruling party members. This does not mean, however, that the boundary between the Government and the ruling party has been obliterated. Furthermore, the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia was drafted under the leadership of the current ruling party after it overthrew the former military regime, which ruled the country by brutal dictatorship and terror. It was the current ruling party, which determinedly struggled for 17 years and brought an end to the suffering of Ethiopian people, which within days of toppling the military dictatorship convened an all-party conference and laid the foundation for the constitutional Federal Democratic State, and which incorporated international conventions on human rights and globally accepted rights-based treaties into the Ethiopian constitutional system. The Government therefore considers that tarnishing the record of the ruling party, which stood in the forefront in the struggle to close the old totalitarian chapter and chart a new democratic path, is not only perfidious but irresponsible as well.
5. 676. As regards the Charities and Societies Act, alleged to restrict the implementation of ILO Conventions, the Government points out that contrary to the NTA’s claim, this legislation was long in the making and therefore could not have been designed to deprive teachers of their right to register an organization. It further points out that the purpose of the Proclamation, as worded in its preamble, is to enact a law in order to ensure the realization of citizens’ right to association, as enshrined in the Constitution of the country, as well as to facilitate the role of charities and societies in the overall development of its people. The Government indicates that the Proclamation is aimed at promoting the indigenous societies that have local constituencies at grass-roots levels. On the other hand, the law also aims at raising the bar for the so-called portfolio NGOs focused in the area of advocacy. The Proclamation stipulates that any advocacy association which receives more than 10 per cent of its funding from external sources has to register as a foreign NGO. The Government wishes to point out that whereas in most countries the foreign-funded political advocacy is prohibited, in Ethiopia, the law enables indigenous NGOs which mobilize more than 90 per cent of their funds from local sources to be only accountable to the beneficiaries and the Board of Directors. The Government states that contrary to EI’s argument, such NGOs are mushrooming in Ethiopia. The Government reiterates that the Charities and Societies Proclamation has nothing to do with trade unions and was by no means meant to restrict the implementation of ILO Conventions. Since the enactment of this Proclamation and the Council of Ministers’ Regulation No. 168/2009, 2567 charities and societies, of which 357 are foreign, were registered and are operating in the country. Before the enactment of this legislation, 1,655 charities and societies were actively operating in the country even though 3,800 were recorded. In the Government’s view, this clearly demonstrates that the legislation meets its objectives by creating opportunities and favourable conditions for the establishment and operation of charities and societies in the country.
6. 677. As regards the amendment to the Civil Servant Proclamation, the Government reiterates that labour rights, including the right for civil servants to form associations, is protected under article 42 of the Constitution. In respect of grievances concerning their conditions of work, civil servants can seek redress pursuant to the legislation governing the civil service as well as other legal provisions, including through the Office of the Ombudsman. Civil servants can also establish professional associations. The Government affirms that public school teachers enjoy the enabling environment to exercise their constitutional rights to form an association as most have decided to become members of the ETA. Over the years, through social cooperation with the Government and struggle, the ETA has secured many gains for its 350,000-strong members.
7. 678. The Government further explains that during the past five years the country has been undergoing a comprehensive civil service reform programme, designed to provide efficient and effective services to the public. In this regard, civil servants, as part and parcel of the executive body, have a key role to play in the implementation of the reform. This reform is of paramount significance in strengthening democracy and ensuring good governance in the country. The Government trusts that the reform will greatly enhance the economic growth and guarantee the rights of all citizens of the country, including civil servants. The Government suggests that the ILO supervisory mechanisms take a global perspective on this matter that takes stock of the reality on the ground. While the law that governs civil servants is different from the Labour Proclamation, civil servants, including teachers of public schools, have the right to establish and join professional associations of their choosing.
8. 679. With regard to the Committee’s request for independent and full inquiries into the alleged extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and torture while in detention, the Government affirms that no one has been arbitrarily arrested and that there is no torture in the country. The Government explains that, following the 2005 elections, some of the opposition party members were involved in unlawful activities to overthrow the elected Government by force. In connection with this, there were persons detained on the basis of court orders. While in detention, they were repeatedly visited by international organizations which witnessed that the detainees were not tortured. The Government points out that an independent commission of inquiry was also established to investigate whether the Government took illegal and excessive measures. The commission reported that the Government did not use either excessive force or take illegal measures. The Government points out that the individuals mentioned by the NTA and EI were detained on the basis of a court order and that appropriate legal actions have been taken against those found guilty on charges of involvement in violent acts against the constitutional order. The Government therefore considers this matter closed as the unfounded allegations levelled by the NTA, the ITUC and EI have been refuted in court. The Government refers, in particular, to the case of Mr Tilahun Ayalew and indicates that this case was examined by an independent inquiry established after the election in 2005. The findings of the inquiry showed that Tilahun Ayalew represented the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD). While there were no reports of any political pressure on him during the 2005 polling, after the announcement of the results, a court ordered his arrest on suspicion of involvement in a violent upheaval planned by the CUD. He was first detained and then released on bail pending the investigation where his movements were not restricted and he was allowed to pursue his teaching profession. When he was summoned to reappear in court, he disappeared, without saying a word to his family, his colleagues or the regional administration. His disappearance, at a time when the police had uncovered further evidence incriminating him, strongly suggests that he fled from justice. Later, evidence was found and confirmed that Mr Tilahun went to Kenya where he was interviewed by the Eritrean media. The fact-finding team met his family in Dangla, town where he lived before he fled the country, and concluded that he was neither beaten while in custody or during his arrest, nor tortured.
9. 680. With regard to the alleged dismissals, the Government provides the following information:
   • – Mr Kinfe Abate was not arbitrarily dismissed, but rather decided to leave his post. He lives in Bonga, the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ (SNNP) Region and works for the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange Services representing businessmen.
   • – Mr Nikodimos Aramdie was not arbitrarily dismissed. Currently, he is employed by the Harari National Regional State Emergency and Fire Fighting Agency.
   • – Ms Elfinesh Demissie was neither illegally suspended nor harassed. The loss of her salary is the result of a decision of the discipline committee of her institution for repeated misconduct and absenteeism.

C. The Committee’s conclusions

1. 681. The Committee recalls that the present case refers to the allegations relating to the exclusion of teachers in the public sector from the right to join trade unions by virtue of the national legislation; refusal to register the NTA (previously ETA) and interference in its administration and activities; and harassment, arrest, detention and maltreatment of teachers in connection with their affiliation, first to the ETA, and now to the NTA. The Committee further recalls that it has been addressing very serious allegations of violations of freedom of association involving governmental interference in the administration and functioning of the ETA, and the killing, arrest, detention, harassment, dismissal and transfer of members and leaders of ETA since November 1997 [see Case No. 1888].
2. 682. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government. With regard to the registration of the NTA (recommendation (b)), the Committee notes once again the Government’s statement that initially, the Ministry of Justice denied registration to the NTA because another association had already been registered under a similar name. The NTA appealed this decision, but due to the adoption of a new legislation, the Charities and Societies Act, which transferred jurisdiction over registration to a new agency, the CSA, the court confirmed the Ministry’s decision. The NTA then applied for registration to the CSA, but the latter also upheld the previous decisions denying registration, and referred, in addition, to the time that had elapsed between the NTA’s establishment and its application for registration. With regard to the complainants’ allegation that because the NTA had not received the CSA’s decision in writing, it is prevented from filing an appeal, the Government indicates that the agency did prepare a written document addressed to the NTA, which the latter failed to collect and that in any case, a written explanation is not a prerequisite for lodging an appeal against an unfavourable decision. The Committee regrets that the information provided by the Government is limited to merely summarizing the situation which the Committee has been examining for the last four years and deeply regrets that the Government failed to provide information on the measures taken to implement the Committee’s specific recommendation to ensure the registration of the NTA. The Committee therefore once again strongly urges the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that the appropriate authorities register the NTA without delay so that teachers may fully exercise their right to form organizations for the furtherance and defence of teachers’ occupational interests without further delay. The Committee once again recalls that the right to official recognition through legal registration is an essential facet of the right to organize since that is the first step that workers’ or employers’ organizations must take in order to be able to function efficiently, and represent their members adequately [see Digest of decisions and principles of the Freedom of Association Committee, fifth (revised) edition, 2006, para. 295]. It emphasizes that it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that this right is respected in law and in practice and expects that the Government will provide information on the concrete steps it has taken to ensure the NTA’s registration.
3. 683. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government on the application of the Charities and Societies Proclamation and the Council of Ministers’ Regulation to reinforce it (recommendations (c) and (d)). The Government indicates, in particular, that, since the enactment of the Proclamation and the Regulation, the number of charities and societies operating in the country has only risen. It further indicates that the Proclamation is not targeted at trade unions and is not meant to restrict the implementation of ILO Conventions. The Committee recalls, however, that the Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations, which has examined in detail this piece of legislation, noted with concern that the Proclamation “organizes an ongoing and close monitoring of the organizations established on its basis and gives government authorities, in particular through the establishment of the CSA, great discretionary powers to interfere in the right to organize of workers and employers, in particular in the registration, internal administration and dissolution of the concerned organizations with respect to those falling within its scope, which appear to encompass civil servants, including teachers in public schools”. The Committee regrets that the Government provides no information on the measures taken to ensure that the Proclamation is not applicable to workers’ and employers’ organizations and that such organizations are ensured effective recognition through legislation which is in full conformity with Convention No. 87. Moreover, the Committee considers that this legislation clearly has an impact on trade unions and workers’ organizations as it is under the authority of the CSA that the NTA continues to have its requests for registration denied. The Committee therefore reiterates its request and expects that the Government will provide information on the progress made in this regard.
4. 684. The Committee takes due note of the information provided by the Government on Proclamation No. 652/2009 on Anti-Terrorism and in particular its assurance that no law abiding political opponent, much less a trade union member, has ever been charged nor will they ever be charged under the provisions of the anti-terrorism legislation.
5. 685. On the issue of civil servants’, including teachers, freedom of association rights (recommendation (e)), the Committee notes that the Government reiterates that the right of workers, including civil servants, to form an association is enshrined under article 42 of the Constitution. In respect of grievances concerning their conditions of work, civil servants are entitled to seek redress pursuant to the relevant legislation governing the civil service and other legal provisions, including through the Office of the Ombudsperson. Civil servants can also establish professional associations. The Government affirms that, in fact, public school teachers enjoy the enabling environment to exercise their constitutional rights to form an association as most have decided to become members of the ETA. The Government further indicates that the country is under a comprehensive civil service reform programme designed to provide efficient and effective services to the public and that civil servants, as part and parcel of the executing body, have a key role to play in implementing the reform. According to the Government, the reform will have a significant role in strengthening democracy, ensuring good governance and guaranteeing the rights of all citizens in the country, including civil servants. While noting this information, the Committee wishes to recall that the right of workers to establish and join organizations of their own choosing in full freedom cannot be said to exist unless such freedom is fully established and respected in law and in fact [see Digest, op. cit., para. 309]. This implies, in particular, the effective possibility for forming and joining organizations independent of those which already exist in the country. The Committee considers that the existence of an organization in a specific occupation should not constitute an obstacle to the establishment of another organization, if the workers so wish [see Digest, op. cit., para. 313]. The Committee expects that the Government will take, without delay, concrete measures, including in the framework of the civil service reform, in order to fully guarantee the right of civil servants, including teachers in public schools, to establish and join organizations of their own choosing for the promotion and defence of their occupational interests. It requests the Government to keep it informed of all progress made in this respect.
6. 686. With regard to the Committee’s previous recommendation to initiate without delay an independent inquiry into the allegations of torture and maltreatment of the detained persons, the Committee notes that according to the Government, there were no arbitrary arrests and torture in the country. The Government also indicates that all individuals mentioned by the complainant organizations were detained on a basis of a court order and that appropriate legal actions had been taken against those found guilty on charges of involvement in violent acts against the constitutional order. The Committee further notes the Government’s indication that an independent commission of inquiry conducted an investigation and concluded that the measures taken by the Government were not illegal and excessive. The Committee recalls that according to the information previously provided by the Government, the Federal High Court ruled that a certain number of trade unionists should be released as there was no case against them. The Committee notes that the Government merely reiterates its previous statements and deeply regrets that, despite its repeated requests, the Government has once more failed to provide a report containing findings or conclusions on investigations carried out into the allegations of torture and maltreatment of the detained persons. The Committee therefore once again urges the Government to provide it with the reports of the various investigations that have been referred to by the Government.
7. 687. The Committee recalls that it had previously requested the complainants to provide information on the dismissal, in 1995, of Mr Kinfe Abate (recommendation (g)). The Committee notes that the Government refutes the allegation that he was arbitrarily dismissed. According to the Government, Mr Kinfe Abate decided to quit his previous post and now lives in Bonga, the SNNP Region and works for the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange Services representing businessmen. In the absence of the information requested from the complainants, the Committee will not pursue examination of this allegation.
8. 688. The Committee recalls that it had previously requested the Government to provide information on the alleged denial of reinstatement of Mr Nikodimos Aramdie and Mr Wondwosen Beyene (recommendation (h)), dismissed, according to the complainants, from Kombolcha Tulla Primary School in East Oromya region in September 2007 and from Awash Primary School in Afar region in December 2004, respectively. The Committee notes that the Government rejects the allegation that Mr Nikodimos Aramdie was arbitrarily dismissed from his job and indicates that he is currently employed by the Harari National Regional State Emergency and Fire Fighting Agency. The Committee regrets that no information has been provided with regard to the alleged dismissal of Mr Wondwosen Beyene. The Committee requests the complainants and the Government to provide relevant and detailed information in respect of this dismissal and the alleged denial of his reinstatement.
9. 689. The Committee notes that the Government further denies that Ms Elfinesh Demissie was illegally suspended or harassed and indicates that the loss of the salary was the result of a decision of the discipline committee of her institution for repeated misconduct and absenteeism (recommendations (i) and (k)). The Committee recalls that according to the complainants, Ms Demissie was punished by her headmaster for her trade union activities and was not paid for 36 days of work (about €120), despite the fact that the discipline committee, to whom the headmaster filed a complaint for absenteeism, dismissed unanimously all the allegations. In these circumstances, the Committee concluded that she was in fact punished for her trade union activities and therefore requested the Government to take the necessary measures without delay in order to ensure the payment of the lost wages to Ms Demissie, as well as adequate indemnities or penalty, constituting a sufficiently dissuasive sanction against any further act of anti-union discrimination. Recalling its conclusions above, the Committee requests the Government to provide without delay a copy of the findings and conclusions of the disciplinary committee in the case of Ms Demissie.
10. 690. The Committee once again urges the Government to initiate a full and independent investigation into the allegations of harassment in September–November 2007 of Ms Berhanework Zewdie, Ms Aregash Abu and Mr Wasihun Melese, all members of the National Executive Board of the complainant organization; as well as over 50 of its prominent activists in order to determine responsibilities, punish the guilty parties and prevent the repetition of similar acts. It requests the Government to keep it informed in this respect.
11. 691. The Committee also once again urges the Government to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of harassment of seven trade unionists which occurred between February and August 2008 and to provide a detailed reply as to its outcome.

The Committee’s recommendations

1. 692. In the light of its foregoing interim conclusions, the Committee invites the Governing Body to approve the following recommendations:
   • (a) The Committee once again strongly urges the Government to take all necessary measures to ensure that the appropriate authorities register the NTA without delay so that teachers may fully exercise their right to form organizations for the furthering and defence of teachers’ occupational interests without further delay. It expects that the Government will provide information on the concrete steps taken in this regard.
   • (b) The Committee strongly urges the Government to take the necessary measures, without delay, to ensure that the Charities and Societies Proclamation is not applicable to workers’ and employers’ organizations and that such organizations are ensured effective recognition through legislation which is in full conformity with the Convention. It expects that the Government will provide information on the progress made in this regard.
   • (c) The Committee expects that the Government will undertake, without delay, concrete measures, including in the framework of the civil service reform, in order to fully guarantee the right of civil servants, including teachers in public schools, to establish and join organizations of their own choosing for the promotion and defence of their occupational interests. It requests the Government to keep it informed of all progress made in this respect.
   • (d) The Committee once again urges the Government to provide it with the reports of the various investigations into the allegations of torture and maltreatment of the detained persons.
   • (e) The Committee requests the complainants and the Government to provide relevant and detailed information in respect of the alleged dismissal and denial of reinstatement of Mr Wondwosen Beyene.
   • (f) The Committee requests the Government to provide without delay a copy of the findings and conclusions of the disciplinary committee in the case of Ms Demissie.
   • (g) The Committee once again urges the Government to initiate a full and independent investigation into the allegations of harassment in September–November 2007 of Ms Berhanework Zewdie, Ms Aregash Abu and Mr Wasihun Melese, all members of the National Executive Board of the complainant organization; as well as over 50 of its prominent activists in order to determine responsibilities, punish the guilty parties and prevent the repetition of similar acts. It requests the Government to keep it informed in this respect.
   • (h) The Committee once again urges the Government to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations of harassment of seven trade unionists which occurred between February–August 2008 and to provide a detailed reply as to its outcome.
   • (i) The Committee draws the Governing Body’s attention to the extremely serious and urgent nature of this case.