Consultative Meeting Held on the Proposed Revision of CSOs Proclamation
On July 3, 2025, NEWA convened a consultative meeting at Kaleb Hotel, Addis Ababa with its member organizations and the Women’s Political Participation Community of Practice (CoP) to discuss the proposed revision of Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the Agency for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) have initiated a process to revise the current Proclamation. Among the proposed amendments are a deeply concerning provision: the restriction of CSOs from engaging in areas deemed “political advocacy,” including activities such as voter education. Such changes threaten to roll back the progress achieved and risk silencing crucial civic voices, particularly those of women and marginalized groups.
The meeting aimed to Voice collective concerns regarding the proposed amendments, Explore the implications from a gender and inclusion perspective, and Consolidate recommendations to contribute constructively to the ongoing review process.
