, .

\
"

~~
~~
fh.:"r-kf 4..J?.t-I\'e JllfPht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h

&..Yo &.IA ",;J ~ T ,;JIt fI)

FEDERAL NEGARIT GAZET A
OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA

h'1.~ 'lID"" 4c'l'C Ii 1'1Year No.1

hJlia hnq - ~m(a. Hi +,
liifn Oh.""f-A'.f ~1v~"f£ Jl'fPh~l1..ff£ ~TllA.h ADDIS ABABA - 21 sl August, 1995
f ih1l1l "'fDt]f-:f ,..he 0."" II1q<t~"" ffDlI)

Of/{&65J.
CONTENTS
l't'P~ ~1"C Ii/Iiifit1 ,.9". Proclamation No. 1/1995
fh.:"fkf 4..1.t-I\'e Jl'fDht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h :11., Proclamation of the Constitution of the Federal
00'","":" l't'P~ .,'" Ii Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Page 1
""""""'"''''

l'tCP~ ck1"CIi/Iiifit1
PROCLAMA nON NO. 1/1995
fh.:,.r-kf 4..1.t-I\'e JllfPht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h A PROCLAMATION TO PRONOUNCE THE COMING
ih., 00'","":" o"..t- I\f, ooCPI\-, "",I1mc}> fmll) l'tCP~ INTO EFFECT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
fh.:"r-kf flth.C':f . flth.~{tP:f1j" ihllP:f OOCmm- FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
: Ol\\\:fm- .,.mi]r-;F:fm- l't",i]f,~:" ..,~C flit .,., Iitfft ,.9".
WHEREAS, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of
fh.:"r-kf 4..J?.t-I\'e Jl 'fDht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h :11100'","":'"
Ethiopia have, through their elected Representatives, ratified
f~"~ OOOtl'). f"th"'"m- '+m-~A II the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of
i1. l't6f.1'CC6it Ethiopia, on the 8th day of December, 1994; it is hereby
f,tJ l't'P~ "fh.:"r-kf proclaimed as follows:
4..J?.t-I\'e JllfPht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h
ih., 00'","":" l't'P~ 'h1"C Ii/Iiifit1" 1. Short Title
.,.flt\- t\.m.,.it
f,:fl\A II This Proclamation may be cited as the' 'Constitution of
the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
2. ih1 00'",,,..-1: O"..t- I\f, it"ooCPI\- Proclamation No. 1/1995".
fh.:"r-kf 4..1.t-I\'e JllfPht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h ih., 2. Coming into Effect of the Constitution
00'","":" h~"''''' I~ .,., Iiifit1 ,.9"'1.9"C' 00-1\-000-1\- The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of
0".. t- I\f, m-~A I: Ethiopia has come into full force and effect as of the 21sl
3. l't'P:( f"'J~Ij"O:" 1.H. day of August, 1995.
f,tJ l't'P~
h~"''''' I~
.,., Iiifif1 ,.9". 1.9"C' f~1j" 3. Effective Date
f,tI'lj" All This Proclamation shall enter into force as of the 21sl day
of August, 1995.
l'tJlit l't01) ~"'lI. I~ .,., Iiifif1 ,.9". Done at Addis Ababa, this 21 st day of August, 1995.
p./C ~;J(t 1.~~
.
fh.:"r-kf 4..1.t-I\'e JllfPht-f\.f'e ~Tflt\.h NEGASO GIDADA (DR.)
T~H.~':"
PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC
REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
,
n~ ., ;J
. . .
Dmt Pnce }9'00 t..1..t-A ~;Jt"', ;JH.1fJ
T'''''+''
Federal Negarit a.p.G.Box 80,001
ii'a:;i
1Jt I 1..1.~A ~;M"" ;JII."., cfc-rCIi ~"'(\ I~ +') IIJ"'~- "Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 2111August 1995 - Page 2

OP"Iflf PREAMBLE

We, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia:

,,~ fkTf"kl -oth.C"~f -oth.~"'P~ f th1fP~ ,-
OV1&-~1kTf"kl m-h1' Ul\t M,. f "iaT'i lAm- Strongly committed, in full and free exercise of our right to
l.'fPh&-f\ "'.&L"'t;:' f ki''r''tlC£'i "7~R&-C£"I:1;J-~1 self-detennination, to building a political community foun-
"'.&L4.m' f f&-it~11 /)1:/.\ O&-it'f1 fODID"" OD-o;J-
ded on the rule of law and capable of ensuring a lasting peace,
~11 -tm~OD1 f 0" t;:1\1;J-~1 f Oth., fOI\"~T "'i guaranteeing a democratic order, and advancing our
0&-it~1 ~:1»1: 1\" f+OD"'~-t 1\11: f?"A"t11 "7~O~"'-o economic and social development;
O;J&- 1t"""T "Cm1 OOD~itT !
Firmly convincedthat the fulfilment of this objective requires
.
"U1 '1\"7 h.,-o A"71:~ia f f.,,, o'i f-oth.C/ full respect of individual and people'_sfundamental freedoms
lIth.~(a-o OD"'~;J-C£ OD.f1+~ -ho&-=fm- f f1;to and rights, ~olive together the basis of equality' and without
o~
"h-/.\ ~T OD~;J1m- f I1thA-~ """7''r+~' I1A1\1JC~ any sexual, religious or cultUral discrimination;
/.\'~T ~1.&L&-ODJJ.
f"71:~-" 1\ia~I\1.~TW)' "9"~;J-~1
OOD")' J Further con vinced that by continuing to live with our rich ,and
proud cultural legacies in territories we have long inhabited,
kTf"kl V1&-~1 ff&-it~1 1\h-~ l1ihA lA1 f
have, through continuous interaction on various levels and
ff/,.4T1 OD/.\h, 9"1:C 1\(a';'~C'~f1~1'i lA1' -om.c forms of life,. built up common interests and have also
-o","~(afl~'i th"p~ O+Al' ODiai'~ f"'~~T contributed to the emergence of a common outlook;
1.~1{"~ -titia~1 1\-o~1 f'rC1I1T'i fM'iCI1:" V1C
OOD."" ! lA.&-'1m- ';J~1'~,fD'i
l\ODAl1h:"1\A1 oftA1 Fully cognizant that our common destiny can best be served
hA~M; by rectifing historically unjust reltionships and by further
promoting our shared interests;
ODtJ.1.m-';J&- /)~I\ ~1 ODODia~""lAOT h~~11~1
flD~h'1m-1 ,-t,,11 ",)~'1T I1"7t9"';,f;J&-/1'tc'7~11 ' Convinced that to live as one economic community is
O"7it,.., ",. (10"),1 OOD+O~ I necessary in order to create sustainable and mutually suppor-
tive conditions for ensuring respect for our rights and
1'''''''''~1't . ODlI;J-~1'i' ~if~;JwT11 O;J&- "Ij freedoms and for the collective promotion of our interests;
0-t1.,:1 .;J.f,'~+ ,,-,it~..,
. . 1\11::fl\.i''t''t "'I~Ot(allfOD11
11..J:1"hA.I\1.'1"" 0",-, ; Determined to consolidate, as a lasting legacy, the peace and
the prospect of a democratic order which our struggles and
n~"1\~1«; Ob~/.\ '1m-0014'1'/):",'1:"'-t1T(Df-11.'fP sacrifices have brought about;
h&-f\'i itl\9" Ul\t~i:1 A"'I~;J11' !
Have therefore adopted, on 8 December 1994 this Cons-
"U ~1(ID1""'T 'hff.UO",. A1A"'i:r:".. '1\"7 titutionthrough representativeswe have duly elected for this
,,~ "9"~+~ ~Ml ~1.&L"'~'''').&LlDhI\-1ODCm1 purpose as an instrument that,binds us in a mutual commit-'
""711"~:" flat1 -1.,,.,:,, -,.11" ment to fulfill the obj~tives and the principl~s set forth
Ol\tJ'i:fm- -t1D11f";J=~')
Ill. ~;&:CID+1 liUn"* t"+~,,/.\ II above.
1Jt r A..1.~.A ~;J&.1' .7fL") <~TC ji ~Ihc\!~ 4>1lilfn ,.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No. I 21 st August 1995 - Page 3

9" iJ (,..C': 1\ ') ~" CHAPTER ONE

~,,'};J1.9'T
m:""" GENERAL PROVISIONS

1\,}"'1\ ~ Article 1
f h..:"f- k f oo'}..,/"':,. ilfll7. Nomenclature of the State

.e.U ih 1 oo'}.., /"':,. t..Y..~" 1£Cj Y..'l"h ~"-fl£ f oo'}.., /"':,. This Constitution establishes a Federal and Democratic State
1\fD:J>.,.C f,f,~'?;JA :: O'LU oo"l:" fh..:"f-kf oo'}'?/"':,. structure. Accordingly, the Ethiopian state.shall be known as
fh..:"f-kf t..Y..~I\1£ Y..'l"h~"-fl£ ~T11t\..h OD7.A il9" The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
.e.m~A :: Article 2
Ethiopian Territorial Jurisdiction
1\,}"'1\ ~
fh..TV"kf f'?':" fD"'} The territorial jurisdiction of Ethiopia shall comprise the
territory of the members of the Federation and its boundaries
fh,:t-f-kf f"'.':" fD"'} ft..Yo~t\-'} 1\l1f\oT fD"'} fD7.fm shall be as determined by international agreements.
ft' A A If Ii 0 ~t\ 9" 1\"'tt: il 9"9"H'" T 00
"l:" f"'fD" ~fD" ~fD"::
Article 3
1\,}"'1\ f The Ethiopian Flag
f h..:"V"k f ,,'} ~:,. ~"DIJ 1. The Ethiopian flag shall consist of green at the top, yellow
in the middle and red at the bottom, and shall have a
~, fh..:"f-A'f "'}~:,. ~"DIJ h"f, 1\l,}~Y.. t hoothA 0. 6IiiJ.t national emblem at the centre. The three colours shall be
h.+T "'f, (rli 0 ooth t\" 'Oth.~1£ ~CDIJ f,Cj llfJA :: set horizontally in equal dimension.
Y'il1:9" .,. t\DIJ:" ~ h- A (r ~fD" 0 1\'? ~9" f,"'oo lIJf\- ::
h ,,') ~:,. ~I\DIJfD" 1\f, fDIJ".,. 00 m fD"11th.~1£ ~CDIJ f h.. 2. The national emblem on the flag shall reflect the hope of
I'
:"f-kf 11th.C'T t 11th.l"flT t ihllflT ~Cj 'If,DlJCj.y.T the Nations, Nationalities, Peoples as well as religious
O~ h-A ~''''Cj 01\'} ~,~..,. t\ooliC f"TfD"'} .,.il4. fDIJ.f'}R communities of Ethiopia to live together in equality and
I1Ce} f,tfCjA :: unity.
[. f t..Y..~"" 1\11f\oT ff ~i}TfD" ,,'} ~:,. ~"DlJCj ~CDIJ t\..
Cj
3. Members of the Federation may have their respective
~TfD" f,T"A :: 1fC1f~,} Of~i}TfD" 9"hC 0.:" flags and emblems and shall determine the details thereof
f,fDilCj "":: through their respective legislatures.

1\'} .,. 1\ ii
Article 4
-
fh..:"f-kf 'Oth.~1£ oollllO"C National Anthem of Ethiopia
The national anthem of Ethiopia, to be determined by law,
fh.. :"f-k f 11th.~1£ OOllllO"C f ih1 oo'}'?/"'1:,} ~"DlJ9'TCj
shall reflect the ideals of the Constitution, the commitment of
fh..:"f-kf ihllflT Oy"'l"ht,.."- /"'C~:,. 1\11lfD" t\ooCjC
the Peoples of Ethiopia to live together in a democratic ord~r
f"TfD"'} ~9"~:" f ~'}Jto-9" ffD~L:" f;J~ iJ~I\TfD"'}
and of their common destiny.
fDIJ.f'}RI1C:" (rCj Oih'? f,fD"CjA ::
Article 5
1\ ') .,. 1\ ?; Languages
ili\ *'}*
1. All Ethiopian languages shall enjoy equal state recog-
~, DlJCjTfD"9"fh..:"f-kf *,}*9'T O~h-A~:" foo'},?/",:" nition.
~fD":"Cj f,Cj ~TIfJ A :: 2. Amharic shall be the working language of the Federal
~, 1\DlJC~ ft..Y..~'" oo'},?/",..,. f/"'~ *'}* f,lfCjA :: Government.
[, ft..Y..I..7i).. 1\l1f\oT ff(,..i}TfD"'} f/"'~ *'}* Oih'? f,fD
3. Members of the Federation may by law determine their
il Cj ::
"" respective working languages.

1\1.,. R" 7: Article 6

iI i\ ,L'? ~ :,. Nationality
1. Any person of either sex shall be an Ethiopian national
~, fD"~:t:/fD"~:e fDf,9" hfD"~:t:/hfD"~:e 1\1~~TfD"
where both or either parent is Ethiopian.
h..:"f-k!I£/h..:"f-k!l£:" flf~/flf~T fh..:"f-k! tL;J
~fD"/Cj:" :: 2. Foreign nationals may acquire Ethiopian nationality.
~, ffD"6J!' U1C tL1T fh..:"f-k! tI.'?~:" t\..f11- f,TI\f\- :: 3. Particulars relating to nationality shall be determined by
[, 't'?~:"1 ODIJ"ooi\h:" lfClf~ Oih'? f,fD(aCjA :: law.
1~!! t.,Y.,t..t\ ~;JI.-r ;Jlf.ffJ~'I'C: li ~(hl'l.I?i 4>1Ii!fit% '}.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta -No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 4

h 1.,.", 'k Article 7

ff;J- h11\t\'"
Gender Reference
OtttJ ih1 001..,P':" CD-il'l' oon ~ f;J- fi'1. "11 CD-'1(1.:"19" Provisions of this Constitution set out in the masculine gender
f;J- !iI:";J-A :: shall also apply to the feminine gender.

CHAPTER TWO
:,.
9" iJ/r.lf. ll' t\
oo(}~;J-ce ooClfsP"f FUNDAMENTALPIDNCWLESOFTHE
'I ih1 001"'P'i:
CONSTITUTION
h 1.,. '" :!; Article 8
'Iihll11 trql\CC":"
Sovereignty of the People

Ii- fh.:,.r-k! 11m.~"f : 11m.~(}P"f : ihllP"f fh.:,.r-k! 1. All sovereign power resides in the Nations, Nationalities
trql\CC P'A1l)1 flt\o..y."f 'i"TCD-:: and Peoples of Ethiopia.
~- ,etJ ih 1 001.., P':" 'Itrql\ CC.,;J-TCD-00'" t\ 6liJ..,CD-:: 2. This Constitution is an expression of their sovereignty.
r- trql\CC";J-TW-9" f0l/.1t\RCD- OtttJ ih1 001..,P':" oo(}~:"
OOl/.ooC{{l.TW-i'roiIr-;FTCD-'i" O"''I';J- OOl/.!1.C.,.:" YolJP
3. Their sovereignty shall be expressed through their represen-
h/r.l1.!CC i''':''';: hDl/iI,e.,:,. ,e1f'i"A ::
tatives elected in accordance with this Constituion and
through their direct democratic participation.
h 1.,.", j1 Article 9
'Iih1 OO1..,P':" fOl\,e.,:,.
Supremacy of the Constitution

Ii- ih1 001°1P'i: fU1~i: fOl\,e ih.., "CD- :: 0'/1?fCD-9" ih.., : 1. The Constitution is the supreme law ofthe land. Any law,
AO'/'&;CChlP/r.C : h1Jtll'9" f001..,P':" hiIA ro,e9" customary practice or a decision of an organ of state or a
flt\P'AIl)1 CD-"~ htttJ ih1 001..,P':" ;JC fOl/.:J>~1 hlf., public official which contravenes this Constitution shall
i'&.1t0l/.":" h,eif~CD-9" :: be of no effect.
~- 0'/1?fCD-9" tI.;J : f001..,P':" hiII\:" : f7't\i:iI ~C~.y."f: 2. All citizens, organs of state, political organizations, other
f\.f\<>"f0'/'" 0 /r.:" h 1 Jt ll'9" fIt\P' A Il)if ;FTW- : ih 1 001..,
associations as well as their officials have the duty to
P'i:1 fO'/ilhOC'i" t\ih1 001"'P'i: i'11( fOOlf1 ;}I\k":"
ensure observance of the Constitution and to obey it.
ht\flTCD- ::
r- OtttJ ih1 001..,P':" hi'Y."11CD- W-6f!> OO'/'i"TW-9" h\\ 3. It is prohibited to assume state power in any manner other .

~1 f001..,P':" P'A1l)1 00!1I fi'ht\ht\ .,w- :: than that provided under the Constitution.
~- h.:,.r-k! !R1..,.;FTCD- qt\9" h.,.lf. il9"9".,.y."f fU1~i: 4. All intenational agreements ratified by Ethiopia are an
ih.., hiIA 'i"TCD- ::
integral part of the law of the land.

h1.,.'" I Article 10
() 11qCC'i"YolJPh /r.l1.!CC 0011.y."f Human and Democratic Rights
1. Human rights and freedoms, emanating from the nature of
Ii- (}11qCC0011.y."f'i" .,.,.,.y."f h(}CD- A~ i'&.'1'~ fOl/.oo"a;c:
mankind, are inviolable and inalienable.
fO'/,eIl)(}-'i" fDl/,e1&.f. 'i"rCD- ::
~- f'L1"f h'i" fihllP"f(}-OqCC'i" YolJPh/r.l1.!CC OO11.y."f ,eh 2. Human and democratic rights of citizens and peoples shall
O/r.tr :: be respected.
Article 11
h 1.,. '" "Ii
f001..,P':"'i" f'/,eO'/if:" oot\!f:" Separation of State and Religion
1. State and religion are separate.
Ii- 001..,P':"'i" '/ ,eDl/if-"t fi't\!f. 'i"rCD- ::
2. There shall be no state religion.
~- 001"'P';J-CC '/,eO'/if:" h,eifC9" :: jIi
3. The state shall not interfere in religious matters and
r- 001..,P':" O'/,eO'/if:" .,..&;.eIl)A:J> h.e1f19" :: '/.eO'/if:"9"
0001..,P':" .,..&;.eIl)A:J> h.e1f19" :: religion shall not interfere in state affairs.
1K"f. A..,.,t./A ~:M'1' ;JIL"' 'h1'C:fi ~,M. It .,., IP.fn ~.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21't August 1995 - Page 5

n1.,.", Ul Article 12
fOD1"lJP:t- nlP(,.Ctj +m'<I:~:t-
Conduct and Accountability of Government

(!. fOD1"lJP:t- nlPt-C I\"'11-{1 °IA'" O(f~ OD11f: ODhtj(JJ1
nl\O:t- ::
I' 0IJ1~ID-9'" ~"Ltj f ih11-{1 +ODt-6f!' ~"L H:1 r't.'~f:A
'''m'<I: ~trtj A ::
f' ih1f'0 nOD~mID- +(JJt)~ ,,~ h9'"~:t- fill) 1.H. hP:J'ID-
I\0IJ1""" ~'f"A :: 1fC1f?o Oih"l ~(JJlttjA ::
1. The conduct of affairs of government shall be transparent.
2. Any public official or an elected representative is accoun-
table for any failure in official duties.
3. In case of loss of confidence, the people may recall an
elected representative. The particulars of recall shall be
determined by law.

CHAPTER THREE
9'"~ t-tt: Y' it:t-
ODlt~:t'tf OD-{1.y.'ftj ~., ~.y.'f FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
Article 13
n1.,.'" If
Scope of Application and Interpretation
'''L'''OIJ. ~:t-tj n+~~19'"
1. All Federal and State legislative, executive and judicial
(!. 00lJ1~ID-9'",.~~ fOlJ.1'r. f~Yot-A OD1"lJP:t-tjfhAA organs at all levels shall have the responsibility and duty
ihOl nID-(;""'. t ih"l nit~'-"'OIJ. htj f,&;~~:t- nt}f\o'f OH.U to respect and enforce the provisions of this Chapter.
9'"~(,.r,: f.,.t}+rf::t-1 1.:1;J1.sP'f fOlJhOctj fOlJithOC
2. The fundamental rights and freedoms specified in this
~..,.,; °IYo:" nl\ fI:':ID- ::
:""~. Chapter shall be interpreted in a manner conforming to
~. O'LU 9'"~(,.r,: f'''H~H?o')' ODlt~:t'tf fOD-{1.y.'ftj f~"~.y.'f
the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human
1:1 ;J1. sP'f h. 'rf' k, hi'''' 0 I\:FTID- 'i 1\9'" n 4>tt:f It-(1'itf
Rights, International Covenants on Human Rights and
OD.n.y.'f ihol;J'r t 'il\9'" n"'c,: flt-{1'itf OD-{1.y.'fit9'"9'"~
.y::;.tj 'il\9'" n"'~ international instruments adopted by Ethiopia.
1P~f.'f ODC(fsP'f ;JC O+ll)ll)OD
OD111: ~"'~101J/\- ::

PART ONE
hr':A n 1 f: HUMAN RIGHTS
It.n'itf OD.n.y.'f
Article 14
n 1.,.'" 'i!! Rights to life, the Security of .Person and Liberty
fih~(JJ:t- t fnt}A ~U1~:t-tj f~.,~:t- OD-{1:t-
Every person has the inviolable and inalienable right to life,
0IJ1i1ID-9'" ltID- It-{1'itf nOD(f). fOlJ~'.LCtj fOlJ~1ltit the security of person and liberty.
Oih~(JJ:t- fOD'iC t fnt}A '.U1~:t-tj t f~.,~:t- OD-{1:t-nl\ID- ::
Article 15
n1.,.'" 11:
- Right to Life
f ih~(JJ:t- OD-{1:t-
Every person has the right to life. No person may be deprived
of his life except as a punishment for a serious criminal
0IJ1i1ID-9'" ltID- nih~(JJ:t- fOD'i'C OD-{1:t-nl\ID- :: 0IJ1~ID-9'"
offence determined by law.
ltID- nih"l n.,.,. ~11 hflY.' ftD1l'A :"ll):t- t}A(f~ Oit+4>C
ih~(JJ'f:1 n'(lI9'" ::
Article 16

1',1"'''' Ii- The Right of the Security of Person

fnt}A '.tJ1~:t- OD-{1:t- Every one has the right to protection against bodily harm.
0IJ1~ID-9'"ltID- nnt}l\:' ,,~ 1.'&;'r h1,&;~~Cito:t- fODmO:"
OD-{1""nl\ID- :: Article 17
Right to Liberty
n 1.,. '" 1'i.
1. No one shall be deprived of his or her liberty except on
f~.,~:t- OD-{1:t-
such grounds and in accordance with such procedure as
{!. nih"l hi'~~11ID- JPC'i:t- ID-1iJ.h
0IJ1~ID-9'" ltID- (JJ1f:9'" are established by law.
(f~ ,. ~"~rf:1!:t1 n'll)9'"!n:t'll)9'" ::
2. No person may be subjected to arbitrary arrest, and no
I' 0IJ1~ID-9'" ltID- Oih"l h',.,. ~11ID-JPC'i:t-ID-1iJ.h1\.'11 t l1it
person may be detained without a charge or conviction
"~4>c'on')' (JJ~9'" ",e.~.~y.'n:t- I\.:t'ltc n~'fA9'" ::
against him.
'J~} t"Yo&.&\ ~;M"" ;J1f.(fJ <hTC!! ~ch'" Xli <1>1Hifif% 'i.f". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 6

n'}~?\ 1:1:
--
n.(allq,£ nf fll ilt\oohAh~ Article 18
Prohibition against Inhuman Treatment
11
. OI/"} ~ lD-?" (alD- 6f-t)~ h +qol\ n'-" . n.(a1l q'£ h If ~ CDf,?"

hll ~"} hDl/.fCP C.(' nf fll CDf,?" :"tlJ'-" f 00 m n:" 0011'-"

1. Everyone has the right to protection against cruel,
nt\lD- ::
inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
~. 0I/"}~lD-?" (alD- nI1C~'-" CD~?" n..,Yo:" n1A;J~~'-" il.fll 2. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude. Trafficking in
n~"fA?" :: t\0I/"}~lD-?" ql\OI/ n(alD- foo~1.(' +..,I1C human beings for whatever purpose is prohibited.
f+ht\ht\ ~lD- :: 3. Noone shall be required to perform forced or compulsQI)'
;:. OI/") ~ lD-?" (alD- n~ ~ A +1 p.. CDf,?" .., Yo:"") t\ OI/o:t.1\.-,. labour.
0I/"}~lD-"}?" P'&. ""}"tlP(~ 01/.('1..., f+ht\ht\ ~lD- ::
4. For the purpose of sub-Article 3 of this Article the phrase
~. mUJ n"}~?\ "}o-il n"}~?\ ;: "n~f,A +1p.. CDf,?"..,Yo:""}
"forced or compulsory labour" shall not include:
t\ 01/o:t.1\'-"" fDl/.t\ lD- £ItI..., fDi/.h+ ~.-,."} V-~:"sP"f nft}
'-"'-"?,,; (a) Any work or service normally required of a person
U) OI/"}~ lD-?" "ill. ~ &..-,. I\~ 11t\ n'-" 1.H. n ih.., who is under detention in consequence of a lawful
n" il
oo(al.'-" ""}"tlP&' f+CD(a~lD-"} CD~r n11.l1 h"ilC order, or of a person during conditional release from
n+ t\ ~~ n'-" 1. H. fDl/.lP &,lD-"}OI/"}~ lD-?" P' &. t
such detention;
t\) 0I/"}~lD-?" CD:"1.&.'£ n1A..,tr>'-" t\ooilm'-" ihil. (b) In the case of conscientious objectors, any service
CjlD-fOl/f,L:" .('t\'-" (alD- n?,,'-"h fDl/.(amlD-") n1A exacted in lieu of compulsory military service;
°, tr>'-" t (c) Any service exacted in cases of emergency or calamity
rh) f0l/1 nl. (a{}-") ih~CD'-" CD~?" 1. tJ"}~.-,. fD?f (a;J
threatening the life or well-being of the community;
f n ilTI),f, 1. H. lJ-~:" CDf,?" n1.;J n D?f ;J1'?" n'-"
(d) Any economic and social development activity volun-
1. II. fDi/. (a l' OI/") ~ lD-"}?" n 1 A.., tr>'-" :
(0) nOl/.oot\h+lD- ihllll L~.(' nnt}l1fllD- fD?LK tarily performed by a community within its locality.
00 lD-"} OI/"} ~ lD-?"n. \1fj"D?f'£Cj 01/1 n &.'£ fA 01/'-" Article 19
P'&. :: Right of Persons Arrested

n"}~?\ Ii! 1. Persons arrested have the right to be informed promptly,

in a language they understand, of the reasons for their
f+ flf- (asP"f 0011'-"
arrest and of any charge against them.
2. Persons, arrested have the right to remain silent. Upon
.
11' CD"}~A &.?\oocpA nool1A f+ flf- (asP"f f~l.nI1TCD- hilCj arrest, they have the right to be informed promptly, in a
?"h"}f+:fi n1lClIC CD"tflD-~ nD?1I1TlD- *")* ""}"t~1 language they understand, that any statement they make
&.TlD- oo.n'-" nl\TlD- :: may be used as evidence against them in court.
~. f+ flf- (asP"f I\t\ooCj1C 0011'-" nl\TlD- ; fD?(am-'-" 3. Persons arrested have the right to be brought before a
0I/"}~lD-?" ~A If:CX' 0.'-" nOl/ill.~~'-" il.~ClII1TCD- court within 48 hours of their arrest. Such time shall not
") 1. DI/."f A 00 l..&;'-" n D? "f~'-" *"} "}1. + f If- CD"tf CD-~ include the time reasonably required for the journey from
" * "
OI/il1"}"flf ""}"t(atlJTlD- 0011'-" nl\TlD- :: the place of arrest to the court. On appearing before a
;: . f+ f If- (asP"f n n C 11 il ?"") .-,. (aq :".-,. lD-il1' If:C.(' 0.'-" court, they have the right to be given prompt and specific
f 00:"1.11 0011'-" n 1\TlD- :: ~tJ?" 1.H. (asP:t:h + f If-n'-" {1:" explanaltion of the reasons for their arrest due to the
CDY.~CX' 0.'-" t\oo?"tlJ'-" n..,l1l1 11t\lD- ..,?".-,. fD?mf, alleged crime committed.
~lD-"} 1.11. nf,t;IJ.?"C?" :: CD"tflD-~ If:C.(' 0.'-" ""}1.~~{1-
4. All persons have an inalienable right to petition the court
n1'ml.m~n'-" CD"}~A t\oo:"(aC fDl/.fn~ ?"h"}f'-" ft\
to order their physical release where the arresting police
oolf~ 1.t\f,+ ""}"t 1t\?\I\TlD- 0011'-" nl\TCD-::
officer or the law enforcer fails to bring them before a
~. f ftlTlD- f Til.il 00\1"}"} CD~?" f ih.., nilhl1~ n1.H.CD-11.11
court within the prescribed time and to provide reasons
c~C X' 0...,. nOl/ :"1.11 f + .f If-n.r"} ?"h"} f'-" t}1\ill.,&;t If: C.('
for their arrest. Where the interest of justice requires, the
0.-1: fnt}A ~'~:"TlD-") ""}"tfilhllCI\TCD- foomf:"
court may order the arrested person to remain in custody
il.tlJil fOl/~"fA 0011"" nl\rlD- :: Iffj"?" If:'-''ih ""}'&;~:-}1.A
or, when requested, remand him for a time strictly
lJ-~:"CD-fOl/.m~:" hlf~ If:CX' 0.-1: f+ f"lD- (aCD-n1'n~
required to carry out the necessary investigation. In
il C ")"t.y. f, t\ 01/"11 CDf,?" ?"C 00 &. t\ OI/t} 't.(' + (;iJ.0I/ ~ 1.H.
" determining the additional time necessary for inves-
It.mf:'' 1',il&.I\1. nlf~ oom") .ngF il.&.:".(' ~"fl\A :: tigation, the court shall ensure that the responsible law
fOl/.fil&.A1lD-"} +t;1J.0I/~ f?"coo&.1.tl.lf:C.(' 0.-1: It.CDil"}
enforcement authorities carry out the investigation res-
:~I\t.. f (n.'-" f ih °, nil h 11~ 11t\P' A tlJ fj""f ?"C 00 &,CD-")
pecing the arrested person's right to a speedy trial.
n ll) C +lD- f + f" lD- (a lD- n+ gF t\ If: l' ~.-,. If: C.(' 0.'-" ,,") "t

~c-n .ft\lD-"} 0011'-" fDl/.filhllC 001f"} nt\n'-" ::

1X-:£ ~1.t.1A ~;M"" ,?u.1IJ ~1'C A ~m(\.!?; 4>, !itIft ,.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 2151August 1995 - Page 7

~. f+ 1~ (}?Jr O~"'Tl& I\f. O"'hl:(~"" t\.+C1I f"7.rA 5. Persons arrested shall not be compelled to make confes-
f"r~"" :1>/.\"'Jl(}m- tDf.r "''''Tl&1r ",hl){ "'Jl sions or admissions which could be used in evidence
lr.,. 1'\f.1f,.~r II 0",h1f,.1: f+1" ",hl:( ++I1f.~"" against them. Any evidence obtained under coercion shall
"'f.'i ll&'r II
not be admissible.
I' f+ 1~ (}?Jr O'Ph fOll~;J-"" 01111"""'I\Tl& II 1f'i9'" Oib.., 6. Persons arrested have the right to be released on bail. In
0 + f,.~1'" A ~ 0- ~;J-?Jr C;:C1: 0."" 'Ph""'" 1\" 011+OA exceptional circumstances prescribed by law, the court
tDf.r 01f,.11 OIIC;:;J-""') ta'rC> oct flf~ f'Ph""'" may deny bail or demand adequate guarantee for the
conditional release of the arrested person.
"'l~165J. "'Jl+C1I "",H1I f.rl\/.\ II
Article 20
') + t) Rights of Persons Accused
'" '"
f+h(} (}?Jr 01111"" 1. Accused persons have the right to a public trial by an
ordinary court of law within a reasonable time after
Ii' f+h(} (}?Jr hh h+lOI1Tl& O~I\ +1ft Olf~ "'~C 1.tJ. having been charged. The court may hear cases in a
l&h,- 00llf,.0;;: C;:C1: 0."" "ib1l1l closed session only with a view to protecting the right to
"'A'" Olf~ rfto""
fOll(}"''''' 01111"" 1'\I\Tl& II If'ir f+h~I1~?J:t:') f..,A privacy of the parties concerned, public morals and
ibf.tD"" t fib1l1l1 f'l"~A o-~;J-'" ff}1~i:1 f,.tJ,)~"" national security.
"OIImO.}> I\.I1A 1I;F hCh~ 011.., rfto"" t\.(}", f.rl\/.\ II 2. Accused persons have the right to be informed with
sufficient particulars of the charge brought against them
I' h oct Olf~ 1IC1IC"')Jl~1~Tl& ",.. h , 0"',h.C;: and to be given the charge in writing.
f",..,,.,,,,
01111"""'I\Tl& II
OC;:C1: '£f,."" 111\-0"" 1.tJ. O+h(} O"" tD11:A "'f,. ,-4- 3. During proceedings accused persons have the right to be
f'
+;;: '''OII~mC . Orhhc~"" "'Jl+Clt9'" '''0II1f,.1: presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law
and not to be compelled to testify against themselves.
01111"" "'I\Tl& II
\
~. f+lOflTl&') 4. Accused persons have the right to full access to any
"''''Tl&1'r ",hl:( fOllOllAh"" t f+lltl1
Tl&1 rhhc>r fOllmf.}> t "OIIhl\hA f"7.1hrl\Tl&')
evidence presented against them, to examine witnesses
testifying against them, to adduce or to have evidence
",hl:( f",.}>l1l tDf.'r f",h+l1l "'Jlo-r 'rhhC' produced in their own defence, and to obtain the
;FTl& +COl& "'Jl(}~I\Tl& fOllmf.}> 01111"""'I\Tl& II attendance of and examination of witnesses on their
~. OOlllm-"" fib.., mO:1> fOlltDhA tDf.r mO:1> "",I/>r behalf before the court.
",.}>r 0"'11) :.t'Tl& C;:..,.ib t\.:}f,.A f"7. A 0"" o-~;J- r 5. Accused persons have the right to be represented by legal
1\., ;J,-r h0ll1..,P''''' mO:1> f",..,,.,,,, 01111"" "'I\Tl& II counsel of their choice, and, if they do not have sufficient
I' hCh~ 0"7.;J-f.0"" C;:C1: 0."" O+(}mI1Tl& """tf1l tDf.r means to pay for it and miscarriage of justice would
c;:C~ I\f. P'AII)1 I\"l& C;:C1: 0."" f."'I1~ f",.}>l1l 01111"" result, to be provided with legal representation at state
"'I\TCf)- II expense.
~. fC;:C~ 'If..'''' 0"'f.1I1Tl& *,* 0"7.11~1:0"" o-~;J-0011') 6. All persons have the right of appeal to the competent court
.., against an order or a judgement of the court which first
P''''' tDIJJ. h Ch~ ,,') -'l+ l-) 9'"I\Tl& fOIlm f.}>01111""
"'I\Tl& II heard the case.
7. They have the right to request for the assistance of an
interpreter at state expense where the court proceedings
'" ')+'" ~b
0,-0:1> hC 11\-,.. OC;:C1:f ;J-(}~ (}?Jr 01111"" are conducted in a language they do not understand.
Article 21
Ii' 0,-0:1> hC 11\-,.. OC;:C1:f;J-()~ (}?Jr (}1I'ice h1l~Tl&') The Rights of Persons Held in Custody and Convicted
.
0"7.m1lch o-~;J-?Jr fOIl 111 01111"" "'I\Tl& II Prisoners
I' h..,..-;C :}f,.7'f;FTl& t h""C1I HOIIf.;FTl& . h:}f,.7'f;FTl& t
1. All persons held in custody and persons imprisoned upon
h?f.",tj"" "''''I1~?J;FTl& t hthtL'I";FTl& ",.. hib.., conviction and sentencing have the right to treatments
"''''I1~?J;FTl& ~C "OIl""'''''''''' "'-'l-)O~Tl&'r "1:A respecting their human dignity.
f",..,,.,,,, 0011"" "'I\Tl& II 2. All persons shall have the opportunity to communicate
with, and to be visited by, their spouses or partners, close.
relatives, friends, religious councillors, medical doctors
"'')+'" ~e and their legal counsel.
ftD,)~A ib.., tDf,.~I\ +ooA(t f"'f.IP~
h" oolf'"
Article 22
",');;: l&r (}l& f tD11:A h h I\. +C1I 0"" f +h()(} 0"" 1:C
Ii' Non-retroactivity of Criminal Law
1."" O+~~OIIO"" 1.tJ. 1:C1.i:') oo~~~ tDf.'r "'''00 1. No one shall be held guilty of any criminal offence on
~~~ tD')1:A 0II1f'" Oib.., f+f,.~.,., 11/.\1f~ Oh++C account of any act or omission which did not constitute a
t\. +11) "'f.rA'r II "')Jlo-r tD')1:I\-') 0&.~000"" 1.tJ. criminal offence at the time when it was committed. Nor
"tD')1:1\- +~1."7. h~Oll& f.}>I1)"" 1I)~1 Ol\f. fhOf,. shall a heavier penalty be imposed on any person than the
.}>II)"" o"'');;:l&r (}l& I\f. "'f.tD(}19'" II one that was applicable at the time when the criminal
offence was committed.
 1K" t t..1..t./.\ ";J~"" ;Jtl.ffJ <h1'C{i ",h/\ l?i .,.1 lillY?; Ii."" Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1
,(
21 August 1995 - Page 8

~. ftLU h'}+1\ '}D-/1 h'}+1\ li fi.'iC9"

f J.':C1.i: h+LRoo 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-Article 1 of this
0:\ 1\ f fDtf) ~ "I 1\+h Itif. fD f,9" 1\++ tf}lD- 11lD- iIl:J> O?. 1T'i Article, a law promulgated subsequent to the commission
h+11 hJ.':C1.i: 0:\1\ ffDtf}lD-~"I +LRO?.~'-'" f,'il'PA:: of the offence shall apply if it is advantageous to the
accused or convicted person.
h'}+1\ 7;f
0 h'} J.':fD'}:lA J.':;JO?.~tf}'-'" /11\oohA hit-
Article 23
Prohibition of Double Jeopardy
0?'}~lD-9" 11lD- OfD'}:lA ~"Ili r~ rCq.-,.. ool1l'-'" +h{\ No person shall be liable to be tried or punished again for an
f 00 QJ,l7i' OIT~ lD-It~ '1'4-+ ~ ~i: O+l;J 1 ill 0'-'" fDf,9" 0 ~, offence for which he has already been finally convicted or
0+1\ ++ 0'-'" fD'} 1: A 'h'}1. 1li hf, h 11/19" fD f, 9" h f,+ tf}9" :: acquitted in accordance with the criminal law and procedure.

h'} + 1\ 7;0
Article 24
fhllCli fOOAit9"
-
/19" 0011'-'" Right to Honour and Reputation
1. Everyone has the right to respect for his human dignity,
li' 0?'}~lD-9" 11lD- 1111q'C hll';'li OOAit9" {}oo- foohOC reputation and honour.
0011'-'" hl\lD- ::
O?,} ~ lD-9" 11lD- f t.l1-,}
2. Everyone has the right to the free development of his
~. /111 ()li h t\.fto :y. It"':y. 001l.y.:y. ;J C personality in a manner compatible with the rights of
O+tf}tf}oo o-~~ O~' fO?lt1. "I 0011'-'" hl\lD- ::
other citizens.
[. 0?'}~lD-9" 11lD- 00?'}~lD-9" /1CJ:t. Ol1l1q'C~i: 'hlD-~li
fO?"Il'-'" 0011'-'" hl\lD- ::
3. Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a
person.
h') + 1\ 7;i: Article 25
--
f'h IrA~'-'" 0011'-'"
Right to Equality

0-1t-9" 119':y. 0 ~ "I ~.-,.. ~ irA liTlD- ; 0 ooith I\TlD-9" All persons are equal before the law and are entitled without
O?,}~ lD-9" q f, ~.-,..A ~ ~.-,..1tf,1.l"l 0 ~ "I 'hirA l' O:J>f,1. l"l 1\ any discrimination to the equal protection of the law. In this
T'PA :: OtLU l1J.': OHC f 01lth.C f lIth.ll1l1 f 0+1\9" f OP~f
respect, the law shall guarantee to all persons equal and
f OYf,O?'i'-'" f OTI\-tit f 00?'"r0t.'C effective protection without discrimination on grounds of
hOOtf}'I' f OVlI'-'" f
O*'}*
race, nation, nationality, or other social origin, colour, sex,
O'-"'lD-A J.': fD f, 9" 0 1\.1\ h 9" 9"h '}1'-'" A ~ ~.-,..Itf, 1.l"l 119':y.
* language, religion, political or other opinion, property, birth
o-It- 'hlrAli r"QJ,l1'T' f~"I 'P/1'-"'li fO?"Il'-'" 0011'-'" hl\TlD- ::
or other status.
h'} + 1\ ?}':& Article 26
f"lA ~f,fD'-'" foohOCli fooillO~ 0011'-'"
Right to Privacy
li' 0?'}~lD-9" 11lD-f"lA ~f,fDi: f "II\'C~i: . foohOC 0011'-'" 1. Everyone has the right to privacy. This right shall include
hl\lD- :: f,U
0011'-'" oo'i ~1 f1.i: ~ l1lD-~i:li ,}lIli: the right not to be subjected to searches of his home,
h 00 00 Coo C 'h '},It 0-9" 0"1 A f,tt ~lD- 11\ '}lIl'-'" h 00 1"H person or property, or the seizure of any property under /
f 00 ill 0 ~ 001l'-"''} 1it'-'" ~ A :: his personal possession.
~. 0?'}~lD-9" 11lD-O"lA fO?.1\4-TlD-li fO?.RR4-TlD- . OT{}~
2. Everyone has the right to the inviolability of his notes and
f O?.A it TlD- 1.11~ f1.9':y. f 'h '} ,It 0- 9" 0-1: t\. c;:'} f 0-1: t\. t100- ~
correspondence including postal letters, and com-
h. 7i,}li Oh.t\.h'-"'C'~h ooUf~19':y. f0?.11.C;JTlD- "ITf.
~.y.:y.hf,1.L';'9" :: munications made by means of telephone, telecom-
[. foo,}"Ir'-'" l1l\rAtf}'i:y. 'h~tLU'} 001l.y.:y. fO?hOCli munications and electronic devices.
fO?/1hOc "I1..~ hl\l1TlD- :: h{}1~~ o-~~9':y.l1.LiIl';'li 3. Public officials shall respect and protect these rights. No
1Ith.t.'C 1.U,}~'-"''}f f ~"H1I,} 111\9" f fD'}1:A'} Oooh restrictions may be placed on the enjoyment of such
I\hA' mS'}li f~"HlI,} flfPt.A o-~~ OOOillO~ fDf,9" rights except in compelling circumstances and in accor-
f t\.fto:y.'} OOll'-"'li ~, ~.-,.. OO?{}hOC ql\ 0?9':y. I\f, 0+00 dance with specific laws whose purposes shall be the
l1li: "HC"HC ~..,:y. ool1l'-'" itAIT~ O{}++C f'h HlU safeguarding of national security or public peace, the
001l.y.:y. hill:J>+9" t\.11.'O hf,:y.A9" :: prevention of crimes or the protection of helath, public
morality or the rights and freedoms of others.
h'} + 1\ 7;1. Article 27
fYf,0?'i'-'" f f'h 9" ~'-"'li f h 00 1\it h'-'" ~, ~.-,.. ,
Freedom of Religion, Belief and Opinion
li' O?'} ~ lD-9" 11lD- fO? 1111 : f ~ t\.li 'hli fY f,0? ~, ~.-,.. 1. Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience
'i'-'"
hl\ lD-:: f,U 0011'-'" O?'} ~ lD-9" 11lD-f 00 lilllD-'} Yf,0?'i .-,.. and religion. This right shall include the freedom to hold
fDf,9" 'h9"~'-'" f00111 fDf,9" foo+OA f Yf,O?'ii:'}li or to adopt a religion or belief of his choice, and the
1K" ii tofot.fA ~;M-r ;JltfIJ -hTl: li ~Ih~ Ili IUfn Ii,"', Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 9

h9"~i:1 t\1I3F CD~9" ht\.f\or ;JC Ooolf1 O~~ CD~9" freedom, either individually or in community with others,
O..,A fOl/9"t\h f foohr"A t foo+..,OC J f"7it+"7C and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief
CD~9" f 00'" t\ R' 0011""1 1t}"":t' A II in worship, observance, practice and teaching.
e.
~ Oh1+R' ~~ 1o-it h1+R' e f+m+ltlD- h1f.+mO+ If'i 2. Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-Article 2 of
-
f'/~"7'i"" +h:t'r-r '/~"7'i:t'TlD-1 t\"7it~~""tj t\"7f. Article 90, believers may establish institutions of
t.1:"" fD?1 itr!l, TlD- f'/ ~"7'i"" ""9"tJC""tj f hit +.&;f.C religious education and administration in order to
+1:"7"" "71:1:9" ~ri\h- II propagate and organize their religion.
r' "71'1 lD-1 9" It lD- fD?LA 1lD-1 h 9"~"" t\ 00 111 1 t\ lD-1 3. No one shall be subject to coercion or other means which
~,~..,. O;~~A CD~9" ot\.i\ u-~:t' O"7it1f.'(- OO1f.1I CD~9"
would restrict or prevent his freedom to hold a belief of
oohAhA h~3FA9" II
his choice.
!!. CDi\}!rtj :I1;J'C 1f""'H.+r Oh9"~:t'TlD- ooltl"" f'/~"7'i
4. Parents and legal guardians have the right to bring up their
:t'TlD-1 tj f 00 A t}9" P' ~ 9"'" 'l C ""9"U c:f 000 it m""
children ensuring their religious and moral education in
A}! 3FTlD-1 f"7Itf.'" 0011"" h i\TlD- II
conformity with their own convictions.
~. '/~'i""1tj h9"~""1 foo..,t\R' 0011"" fL1f.1I fD?rt\lD-
f:l111111 f.tJ1~"" t lti\9"1
: m.tj"1 t ""9"tJC""1 t f:l111111 5. Freedom to express or manifest one's religion or belief
flf"t.A u-~:t' t ft\.f\or tl.1r1 ooltl:t''C ooll+r t
may be subject only to such limitations as are prescribed
htj 001..,P''''' h'/~"7'i"" ~, 001f~1 t\"7l;J1T by law and are necessary to protect public safety, peace,
~'~+r
OD?CDm. :111 r ~lftj A II
health, education, public morality or the fundamental
rights and freedoms of others, and to ensure the indepen-
dence of the state from religion.
t,1+R' i)'i
Oitll,)tj i\~ itt\D?LROO-CD1~f\or Article 28
Crimes Against Humanity
j). i\...,.r-*1 'lRf.+3FTlD- f}t\9" h+~ it9"9"~+r htj Ot\.f\or
~ 1. Criminal liability of persons who commit crimes against
fi\...,.r-*1 :I11r OltlD- A"f: i\~ f+LROO- CD11:f\or
humanity, so defined by international agreements ratified
+1It\lD- f+CDlt~""1 CD11:f\or ; fltlD- HC f"7T~"" : by Ethiopia and by other laws of Ethiopia, such as
1 t\ lJ'.C'(- flf""" ~fIJ"" h C9"~ f oolD-lt.(- t 0 hit1.&;"f: It lD-1 genocide, summary executions, forcible disappearances
fooltCDC : CD~9" i\.ltrOf}'C f'(-lIf.'l .(-C1,.+r1 OLROO- or torture shall not be barred by statute of limitation. Such
ltsPr i\~ hit OI/~lrO O~C;J h~:t'1.(-9" II 0:11.., offences may not be commuted by amnesty or pardon of
hlD-'I.1.lB- h~A9" Ir~ O"71'1lD-9" f001..,P''''' ht}A the legislature or any other state organ.
lD-1t~sPr 09":I1l"" CD~9"O~~C:t' h~;J.t\~9" II
2. In the case of persons convicted of any crime stated in sub-
~. htLtJ Oi\~ f+f.~11lD- h1f.+mO+ If'i : OH.tJ h1+R'
Article 1 of this Article and sentenced with the death
1o-it h1+R' ji f+m+""'''''1 CD11:f\or t.R'oolD- flf""" penalty, the Head of State may, without prejudice to the
~ fIJ"" t\ + telf. 'l TlD- ltsPr C,)It 11tit.-r ~fIJ i:1 CD
f. ,).(-"'/. provisions hereinabove, commute the punishment to life
Ah R'~ },itt."" fLl7i7it\lD- ~ri\A II imprisonment.

PART TWO
hlJ'.A u-t\""
DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS
Yolf"ht.lt.I'C 0011+ r
Article 29
i)'i! t,1+ R' Right of Thought, Opinion and Expression
fhoot\t)h-}- htj Ult1l1 o~, foo111tj foo..,t\R' 0011""

ji.OI/1'1lD-9" ltlD- 1t\OI/19" flJA:P 111~"" fooltt\lD-1 hoo 1. Everyone has the right to hold opinions without in-
t\t}h..,. t\00111 ~ri\A II
teference.
~. "71'1 lD-9" ItlD- 1 t\"719" fIJA:P 111~..,. 0 It{l-1 f 00'" t\R'
~,~..,. ht\lD- II ~tJ ~,~..,. 001C lD-itT9" Ir~ h01C lD-6f.h
2. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression without
any interference. This right shall include freedom to seek,
CD
It1 It~Y.l'" 0"" O:PA9" Ir ~ 0 R'"'.~ CD~9" 0:11""00"" :
receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds,
OP'~ TOrO ooAh m~9" OoolmlD- O"71'1lD-9" regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print,
f"7lt/,.6l>}. HYo: "71'1lD-19" f}~~"" ool~tj Olto{}foolt
in the form of art, or through any media of his choice.
rOlto{}t foo+OAtj f"7lt/,.,Q."" ~'~+r1 1t}"";J-A II
3. Freedom of the press and other mass media and freedom
r. fTl..ittj ft\.f\or oo1tj'1 -OH-'!1 : h1Jtu-9" fP'~ TOo{}
of artistic creativity is guaranteed. Freedom of the press
t.m/,. ~,~-). +l;J°l(1).A II fTloit ~,~..,. O+t\~ fD?h+
shall specifically include the following elements:
l\'''''1 oo-n+r Im:PAi\A :
0) f~Y.:D?1 9"Cool,. O"71'1lD-9" OOAh- f+ht\ht\ (a) Prohibition of any form of censorship.
oolf~ 1 :
1~ X Aofot.lA ~;Jt"" ;JU,ffJ 'k'fC ~ ~,h(L If; 4>1 lillit?: ~'9'" Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21st August 1995 - Page 10

t\) f c"h1111"}'1':"9" fOl/..oPt\h-r oPl~ fOl/'?1 -r iJY: (b) Access to information of public interest.
A"} :: 4. In the interest of the free flow of information, ideas and
2' t\YolfOttt.f\.11£ P'C,}'}' hilt...I\1. flf). oPl~sP"f 1 u"n"f'i opinions which are essential to the functioning of a
hoPt\i1h.y."f O~., oP"}7i/,,7it.rlD-"} t\OI/l:n'l' (l.flA Tloil
democratic order, the press shall, as an institution, enjoy
0+*9"~i: f hrPt.C ~., ~-r'i f+t\I~ hil+ ff.y."f fOl/il+ legal protection to ensure its operational independence
'i1Y: "f/r';r h"}Jt'illD- fc"h'? 'I'O:J> f,Y-l'?/\;rA :: and its capacity to entertain diverse opinions.
?;. OoP"}'?P'-r 1"}Hl1 fOl/..i1~Y: OJf,9" OoP"}'?P'-r 'k'l''I'C
5. Any media financed by or under the control of the State
P'C f/\ oP1'i~ l1tr~") f+/\f~ hil+ ff.y."f"} /\OI/il+
shall be operated in a manner ensuring its capacity to
'i1Y: OOl/..fil"f/\lD- o-);;r h"}JtoPt. f,Y-l;JA ::
entertain diversity in the expression of opinion.
i' h HLU oPl1.y."f 11.,0 I\.II}Al1rlD- fOl/."f/\lD- fU"l1'i
oPl~ fOl/'?1-r ~"~-r Ohil+"(l111£ f,Hi:'i I\.filh-rA 6. These rights can be limited only through laws which are
00l/.."f/\lD- hil+"(l111£ lD-m.-r !\.1;r hf,111lD-9" 0 01/..A guided by the principle that freedom of expression and
oPCU I\f, +oPilC+lD- OOl/..OJfficc"h1"f 117 f,1f'iA :: information cannot be limited on account of the content
fOJII}.y."f"} Y-U"}~-r : f(llD-"} ttl1C'i oPAi19" il?" or effect of the point of view expressed. Legal limitations
/\oPmO:" f\.I1A c"h;J1£1Y-nr OHLU oPl1.y."f I\f, !\.Y-~11- can be laid down in order to protect the well-being of the
f,"fl\tt- :: f{l1C~-r :"il"."sP"f h"}Jto-9" (l11'}1£ ttl1C") youth, and the honour and reputation of individuals. Any
fOl/.H.. fhY-1111f, oP'?/\6liJ.sP"fOc"h'?fOl/..h/\htt- f,1f'itt-:: propaganda for war as well as the public expression of
'to 0I/"}~lD-9" ,L;J hl\f, O'''m'''(}.-r oPl1.y."f hm:J>".9" l1Y: opinion intended to injure human dignity shall be
fOl/..II}t\.c"h;J1£1y-n"f"} '1'1" h+11 Oc"h'?+mf-t 1\.1f"} prohibited by law.
f,"fl\A :: 7. Any citizen who violates any legal limitations on the
exercise of these rights may be held liable under the law.
h"} ". "'. «!j
. Article 30
foP(ll1(l.o 1 (ll\0I/1£ (lA~ fOl/Y:l'? ~"~-r'i M1i:;r
fOl/:"l'O oPl1-r The Right of Assembly, Demonstration and Petition
1. Everyone has the right to assemble and to demonstrate
li' 0I/"}~lD-9" (llD- h"-/\o"f ;JC OoPlf") oP"'~f "f,1I 0(ll\9" together with others peaceably and unarmed, and to
foP(ll1(l.o 1 (ll\0I/1£ (lA~ fOl/Y:l'? ~"~-r'i 1 hl1..f:;r petition. Appropriate regulations may be made in the
fOl/:"ll1 oPl1-r h/\lD- :: hl1.-r lD-6J.bfOl/..Y-l1- ill1(ll1sP"f'i interest of public convenience relating to the location of
(ll\OI/lf (lAb:"f 001/.."}"''''''(}'l1rlD- n;rsP"f 0c"h1l11 h"}:" open-air meetings and 'the route of movement of demons-
il:J>~ I\f, "f'?c h"}~f,t..'I'cr /\OI/Y:l'? OJf,9" OoPi1,h..(' trators or, for the protection of democratic rights, public
I\f, f /\ il.O(l11OJf,9" (l1\01/1£(lA ~ (ll\ 9"") 1 .e..lfOtt t.f\.fl£ morality and peace during such a meeting or demons-
oPl1.y."f"}'i f c"h1l11"}flfOt.A o-);;r h "}~f,'I'(}. /\OI/ilmO:" tration.
h'?l1l1 l1\rlD- P'c'}.y."f I\.Y-~11- f,"fl\tt- ::
2. ,This right does not exempt from liability under laws
~. f,U oP'O-r fOJII}.y.:f."} 1.U"}~-r 1 f(llD-"} ttl1C'i oPAi19"
enacted to protect the well-being of the youth or the
il9""} /\ oPm 0:" : fin C~.}. :,. il ". "sP:f' h"} Jt 0-9" (l11'}I£ honour and reputation of individulas, and laws
tt.OC") fOl/. ~h- f hY-1111f, oP'?/\6liJ.sP"f"} /\oPhl\hA f\.I1A
prohibiting any propaganda for war and any public
OOl/.OJm' c"h1"f oP(ll-r '''mf-t hoPlf"} hf '('"}9"::
expression of opinions intended to injure human dignity.

h ") ". all; Article 31

'"
~

foP.(>.I,,'l-r
. . oPl1-r Freedom of Association
Every person has the right to freedom of association for any
-'"}~lD-9" (llD- /\0I/"}~lD-9" ,}I\OI/ OOl/..,OC foPY-t.~-r oPl1-r cause or purpose. Organizations formed, in violation of
h/\lD- :: 1f'i9" h'?l1l1 ft\lD-") c"h'? OoPlI}il OJf,9" c"h1
appropriate laws, or to illegally subvert the constitutional
oP"},?p':rl£ P'C'}i:"} 0c"h1 OJ'I' oP"}1Y: /\OI/~lil f+oP(lli:
order, or which promote such activities are prohibited.
OJf,9" f + m'" (}..}") +°1 11I,,'}' fOl/..f t.9" p,. Y:C'f:.y."f f+h
/\h/\' f,lr'it\. ::
Article 32
Freedom of Movement
1',"}". @~ 1. Any Ethiopian or foreign national lawfully in Ethiopia
'"
foPHq'OJC ~.,~.}
has, within the national territory, the right to liberty of
movement and freedom to choose his residence, as well
li' 0I/"}~lD-9" h. -rV'*' fl£ OJf,9" 0c"h;J1£ oP"}1Y: U1~i: lD-il'l'
as the freedom to leave the country at any time he wishes
f0l/..1~ flD-lif.b tL;J OoPlmlD- fU1~i: hi1I1Q foPHq'OJC'i
to.
foP'i ~f n;r foPoPill'} : h"}Jto-9" 0t../\1lD- 1.tL hU1C
foPlD-II}"" ~"~-r h/\lD- :: 2. Any Ethiopian national has the right to return to his
country .
!{. 0I/"}~lD-9" h.-rV'*'fl£ OJ1. U1cr foPoP/\il oPl1"" h/\lD- ::
1Jt"Hi ~1.t-A );MT ;IlL", -liTe Ii )dd'LI~ 4>, Iiln '-r- Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 11

h,)"'1\ .nf
-- Article 33
ffl. .., ~.'t ODi1"'~ Rights of Nationality
1. No Ethiopian national shall be deprived of his or her
Ii. "7') ~ tD-9"" 1\..'tf"* 1'e/1\. .'tf"* 1'e.'t hL.+~/hL.+ ~
Ethiopian nationality against his or her will. Marriage of
tD-~ 1\..'tf"*''e tJ."'~-f:,)/tJ...,~.'t'P,) A.1L~ mf;,'"
an Ethiopian national of either sex to a foreign national
A.'t1L~ hf;,~A9""/h.'t~A'" :: 1\..'tf"*''e/1\..'tf"k shall not annul his or her Ethiopian nationality.
1'e.'t tL;J h~I\ V1C tL;J ;JC f"7.L1\ODtD-/f,...'tL1\ODtD-
;Ji1;F 1\..'tf"*''e tL"'~-f:,)/tJ...,~.'t'P,) hlia+C,.. :1 2. Every Ethiopian national has the right to the enjoyment of
all rights, protection and benefits derived from Ethiopian
I- "7')~tD-9"" 1\..'tf"*''e tL;J f1\..'tf"*' tJ...,~.'t Oib..,
nationality as prescribed by law.
f"7.1ia11tD-') ODi1.'t . 1'O:P'i" 1':"9"" f"7"'1.'t ODi1.'t
h/\tD- II
.
3. Any national has the right to change his Ethiopian
nati onali ty .
r- "7')~(o.9"" tL;J 1\..'tf"*''e tJ."'~-f:,) fOD/\m'l' ODi1.'t
h/\ tD-II 4. Ethiopian nationality may be conferred upon foreigners in
§- 1\..'tf"*' hh~1.+;FTtD- ~I\'" h+~ ia"''''~'''~ ;JC accordance with law enacted and procedures established
O"7f;,:I"l') OD')11: O"7.mlf) ib.., 'h'i" 0"7.1.~1'" P'CIi.'t consistent with international agreements ratified by
OD(al.'t f 1\..'tf"* 1 tJ...,~..,. 1\tD-~ 01 C (a9'~ A.(aT Ethiopia.
f;,~I\A:: Article 34
Marital, Personal and Family Rights
h')+1\ .no -- 1. Men and women, without any distinction as to race,
f ;Ji1;F . f..,A'i" fo.+(al1 ODl1"'~ nation, nationality or religion, who have attained
i. Oib.., h+m(a~tD- f ;J11;F iJ1:"7. f1.lfl- m')p.~'i" (\.,.~ marrigeable age as defined by law, have the right to marry
onc . 011th.C . 011th.l(a11 mf;,'" O'f;,"7'i.'t A~~.'t and found a family. They have equal rights while entering
into, during marriage and at the time of divorce. Laws
"f;,1.l"''lTtD- f"7"''l.'t'i'' o.+(al1 fODODial.'t ODl1-r
shall be enacted to ensure the protection of rights and
hl\TtD- :1 0;J11;F hL~~9"" . 0;J11;FtD- nOD')'i" O~:f 1.tL
interests of children at the time of divorce.
M1-A ODl1.'t hl\TtD- .:1 O~:f'" 1.tL fA~~,) ODl1-r'i"
1':",.. 'h')JLhOC f"7.11.C~ 1:');J1.sP~ f;,1.~1;J/\- :1 2. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full
I-~ ;J11;F 0+ ;Jfl9'~ ~''i'' ~/\- L:I" 1: I\f;, 11;F f;,OD(al:1'A:I
consent of the intending spouses.
r- 0. + (a11 f..,l1l+(al1 f+t..1'~ OD(al:1''e OD~7i ~tD- :1 3. The family is the natural and fundamental unit of society
h..,l1l+(al1'i" hOD')"'P'-r 1'0:1" f"7"'1-r ODl1.'t hl\tD-:: and is entitled to protection by society and the State.
§. Oib.., O+I\f;, O"7.nlHltD- OD(al.'t O'f?i'i-r . O'libA 4. In accordance with provisions to be specified by law, a
fib.., P'CIi"'~ I\f;, 1'ODiaC1'tD- I\"7.L?~ ;Jl1;FsP"f law giving recognition to marriage concluded under
'htD-:"'i" f"7.(a1' ib.., A.mlf) f;,~I\A I: systems of religious or customary laws may be enacted.
~- f;,U ib1 OD,)"'P'.'t f..,A 'h'i" fo.+(al1ib..,') O+ODl\h+ 5. This Constitution shall not preclude the adjudication of
O+h&.ta~9'~ L:I"1: O'f;,"7'i"'~ mf;,9"" O'libfte"f Cho)"f disputes relating to personal and family laws in accor-
OD(al.'t OD.';1.'t') hf;,hl\hA9"" :11fC"U~ OCh..,f;,m(a'i"A:I dance with reljgious or customary laws, with the consent
of the parties to the dispute. Particulars shall be deter-
h ')+1\ .nl:
-- mined by law. .

f(\"'~ ODl1.'t
Ii- (\.,.~ f;,U Ch1 OD'}"'P'-r Ohl;J1If)TtD- 0D1)"'~
:l"9'~ OODm+9"" l11: hm')p."f ;JC 'hh-A ODl1-r
hl\TtD- :1
I. C\.,.~ OltU ib1 OD,)"'P':" 0+1. ~11tD- OD(al-r 0;J11;F
hm')p.~ ;JC 'hh-A ODl1-r hl\TtD- :1
r. (\.,.~ 00:1'~~.'t'i" OA~~-r OOD:1'f:1'TtD- f1.l(a'lTtD-')
f :1'~h :"Cia h"'9"".'t tD-ia1' 0"7ia1'l-r f;,U :"Cia 'h')JL:1'l
9""I\TtD- O+Q;)."7~ f 1:;J~ 'hC9""~9'~ +m:l""7. fODIf')
ODl1.'t hl\TtD-:: OltU Oh-A f"7.m(a~-r 'hC"'~9'"f lil\"7
07'I\-I:ta'e . 0"7..,0&.1f.'i" 01\.fI'i"7.1'e ODiafl"f 'h')JLV-9""
OOD')"'P'.'t 'h'i" O..,A '''*IfU~ tD-ia1' (\.,."f hm')p."f ;JC
O'hh-A ~-r +m.';.';~'i" ".l}:1't.. 'h')JLIf). 1\"71:l'" 'h')JL~A
A~ .'th-l-r I\ODiam-r ~tD- :1
§. (\.,.~ hO):( 'libA +1\iJ'i fODI\"':" ODl1:1'TtD-') OD')
"'P'.'t "7iahOC hl\O-r :1 c\"'~1 f"7.Q;).ck). mf;,9""
Ohtal\TtD- mf;,9"" OhiJ9""C'hTtD- I\f;, ~-r f"7.1iah-r/\-
Cho)~ . mo)~'i" A"7P.~ f+hl\h/\- 'i"TtD- :1
Article 35
1'0
Rights of Women
1. Women shall; in the enjoyment of rights and protections
provided for by this Constitution, have equal right with
men.
2. Women have equal rights with men in marriage as
prescribed by this Constitution.
3. The historical legacy of inequality and discrimination
suffered by women in Ethiopia taken into account,
women, in order to remedy this legacy, are entitled to
affirmative measures. The purpose of such measures shall
be to provide special attention to women so as to enable
them compete and participate on the basis of equality
with men in political, social and economic life as well as
in public and private institutions.
4. The State shall enforce the right of women to eliminate the
influences of harmful customs. Laws, customs and
practices that oppress or cause bodily or mental harm to
women are prohibited.
1~' I~ ~lo&.IA ~;J&"" ;J11.t'J <h'l'C ~ ~,h~ If; +1 Hifft '}.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21st August 1995 - Page 12

?;. 0) ,."f flDILf: tt:P f: hOO-I\- ff.OOlD11 hlj:!;JC 5. (a) Women have the right to maternity leave with full
fO?'1lT 0011T h"T~ :: flDILf.' tt:Pf: C1100T pay. The duration of maternity leave shall be
"":t f9"TIP&.~'} P'&. v-);;r f f"":t'} m. ,}"T f determined bylaw taking into account the nature of
f,fi'l'" '}e; f 0..,. (a{}-'} f,U')" T h'19" T ~ it'I' flO?it the work, the health of the mother and the well-
1f1T fI,fi'1 f.lD(ae;A :: being of the child and family.
t\) flDILf: &.:Pf: fI,fi'1 flOIJ..lD(a"~ OO(a~T hOO-I\- (b) Maternity leave may, in accordance with the
f f. 00 lD11 hlj:! (a'I' fh C'111 e; tt:P f,:')
;J C f OIJ.. provisions of law, include prenata11eave with full
IL~Q.9"Cf."f"A :: pay.
'k' ,."f fl11m.&.'e fAO?T 7'ILla.9>"f ,,:,. f:e; flTc.'~h"'"f
6. Women have the right to full consultation in the
If'1~Te; htt~K9" f n.,.t\f. f ,."f'} '1':"9" nOlJ.."h- formulation of national development policies, the desig-
Tc.'~h"'"f OltflT~'} n.,.",,,,, v-);;r h'}~(am- foomf:" ning and execution of projects, and particularly in the
0011T h"T~ ::
case of projects affecting the interests of women.
?:. ,."f '}.n~T fo?lj:lrT f fO?it.,..&;f.C f foo~llJmC f
7. Women have the right to acquire, administer, control, use
foom4>9"e; fO?it.,."t\lj: 0011T h"T~ :: O.,.t\f. OOI..T'}
and transfer property. In particular, they have equal rights
noom4>9" f nO?it.,."t\lj: : flO?it.,..&;f.Ce; floo~llJmC
with men with respect to use, transfer, administration and
~'lf.' hlD'}P."f ;JC },h'A 0011T h"~~ :: h,}~v-9"
control of land. They shall also enjoy equal treatment in
~Cil,} nOlJ..OOt\hTnhh-A"T foo;rfT 0011T h"T~::
the inheritance of property.
t. ,."f f.}>'fC f f P' II' hf.:1T f fh h-A hlj:!e; m-~;r'}
fO?it.,."t\lj: MrA 0011:" h"T~ :: 8. Women shall have a right to equality in employment,
,."f nhC'111e;e; fllDlLf.: 9"h'}!T. fOlJ..f.CitflT~'} 1-.&;T promotion, pay, and the transfer of pension entitlements.
it.
t\ooh"hAe; m. '}.,:t'T~'} t\O?itmfl.}> fOlJ..!it"fA 9. To prevent harm arising from pregnancy and childbirth
fo.1'(a11 9"llJ); T9"uc.1': oo~jf he; h.}>9" fO?'1lT and in order to safeguard their health, women have the
0011T h"T~ :: right of access to family planning education, information
and capacity.
h,} 4>?\ (/17:
~
Article 36
f ,fi'le;:" 0011T
Rights of Children
O?'}?f~9" ,fi'l,) fOlJ..h,,, t\-T 00111'-"f h I\-T ; 1. Every child has the right:
Ii'
0) n,fif.lDT footfC : (a) To life;
t\) it9"e; Itol"T fO?o11T: (b) To a name and nationality;
ill) lD"ft~'} lDf.9" n,fi°l fO?ltf.'1 0011T !"T~'} (asP"f
(c) To know and be cared for by his or her parents or
fO?lD.}>e;
fh.,fI-'}9" h'}h11i]o. fO?'1lT f
(0)
legal guardians;
1-AI..,:'} hOlJ..nH.nu- AO?P."f foomn.}> f flT9"
UC'I:: nm.e;~e; flf.U'}.,1: "f. '1-'&;T fOlJ..!f.CfI-
(d) Not to be subject to exploitative practices, neither to
P'lr9>"f h'}~lPlr !t\001f.f: lDf.9" hOOP'&.T be required nor permitted to perform work which
foomn.}> f may be hazardous or harmful to his or her education,
IJ.') n.1'9"UCT 0..,.'.)', lDf.9" n,fi'le;T O?ltf. 'I.! ",:1: health or well-being;
qo ':'-" ~il 'I' fIh i] t\- h OIJ..&.K
9" lDf.9" h "lh i]); e; (e) To be free of corporal punishment or cruel and
h.o.n'}'e hrr., .}>fJ)'1'"'l fOOl',} :: inhumane treatment in schools and other institutions
~. ,fi'lc;.1''} fO?oot\h1: hC9"jf~"f flOIJ..lD(aJ;.nT 'Ut. floo'}'1 responsible for the care of children.
P' :J-,£ lDf.9" n'1A fn1 hf.-Ir1T .,.:l:qo"f f fllj:Cf: o..,."f: 2. In all actions concerning children undertaken by public
nhit.,..&;f,C flt\P'AllJtf"f lDf.9" n,fi'1 h~tJ;\. hi]"T and private welfare institutions, courts of law, adminis-
f,n'le;T f,U,}"T n4>f,9"T":" 00;r(a11 ht\flT :: trative authorities or legislative bodies, the primary
e. O)fJ)T h'l'&.9>"f f nO?~OIJ..! lDf.9" floo:l::l:OIJ..! .,.:l:qo";f' consideration shall be the best interests of the child.
fO?:,.r;.: noo'}'1p"1' hC.&;;r f«t!f:1- lDllJ.,."f f noo'}
3. Juvenile offenders admitted to corrective or rehabilitative
°1P':'- lDf.9" nOlA h~t\ O?~ .+'} .,.:l:qo"f lDil'f f0lJ..11- institutions, and juveniles who become wards of the State
OJllJ.,."f hh -Pct9>"f .,.t\f."'~ 00!11 ht\ flT~ :: or who are placed in public or private orphanages, shall be
!!. h;J.n:F ~61!' f"'lDt\J;. ,fi'le;T n;J11:F h"'lDt\J;. ,fi'le;T kept separately from adults.
;JC hit.A 0011T h"T~ ::
4. Children born out of wedlock shall have the same rights as
?;. OO'}olP'T t\h~t\ O?~.+'} A~ 'fn:p !f.C'1"T-PA ::
children born of wedlock.
n'l-~&.:F fOlJ..! f.'1,n.1-'} P'C'}T fO?_!oo:F~e; fOlJ..!
il4.~ h '}~v-9" f.U'}" :J-T~'}e; T9"UC;rT~'} fOlJ..!
5. The State shall accord special protection to orphans and
1..9"J;. "':l:qo"f h'}~oo(a~1: !n~;r;rA ::
shall encourage the establishment of institutions which
ensure and promote their adoption and advance their
welfare, and education.
1Jr xr ~1.~A. ~.?~+ .?It.1fJ., C Ii ~"'(&.x~ .,., xun ,.,.. Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 13

h")"'1t c9~ Article 37

ti::"ih f07..,1':" 00-0:" Right of Access to Justice
1. Everyone has the right to bring a justiciable matter to, and
i. ",")r;:tD-r iltD- O~C.(' I\.lDiI") f"7..1'1tD-") ~~ I\ti:c.('
to obtain a decision or judgement by, a court of law or any
aT lD~r I\/\.I\ Oih.., f.c;:-S~:" FAtI'f") I\+ilmtD- hitA
other competent body with judicial power.
f07:t-l-o'i tD-It1 lD~r ti:c.(' f07..,1':" 00-0:" hl\tD- :1
2. The decision or judgement referred to under sub-Article 1
I. OtLU h")"'1t ")o-h h")"'1t Ii f+OOl\h+tD-") tD-"1 lD~r
of this Article may also be sought by:
ti:c.(' I
(a) Any association representing the Collective or
v) ",")r;:tD-r ",...oc fh'1I\rf:") f;1to lD~r f..,A
individual interest of its members; or
...:t-r OOOlDhA . (b) Any group or person who is a member of, or
1\) ",")r;:tD-")r 0-.('") lD~r +oo,,"~ ...:,,'1" 11\:ftD-") represents a group with similar interests.
il9»'f f"7..lDh A ..,I\iI-o ID~r fo-.('") h'1 A
foomf:t-'i f07..,,.:,, 00-0:" hl\tD- II Article 38
The Right to Vote and to be Elected
h")"'1t c9:!; 1. Every Ethiopian national, without any discrimination
foorlT'i foooolT 00-0:" based on colour, race, nation, nationality, sex, language,
religion, political or other opinion or other status, has the
i. ",")r;:tD-r h.:"f"A-l«f tJ.;J 0.,.1\'1" . onc . O-oth.C . following rights:
O-oth.lil-o . OJ':J-. mt")* . OV~'r:" . 07"I\-I:it lD~r (a) To take part in the conduct of public affairs, directly
O/\.I\hOOl\ith:" lD~r O/\.I\ h*rl\~ f+ooill+ A~~:" and through freely chosen representatives;
"~~l"'O:" f"7..h+ft-:" oo-o-fT hft-:" I
v) O+...:J- ~'i O~,~:,. oooltl'f:ftD- +lDitf"T h"7it (b) On the attainment of -18 years of age, to vote in
:-s~:,. 0;"11-0 .,...c;~ hh+.c;~c foo"+ti: . accordance with law;
1\) ".('''7.tD-!:!;'00:'' lI.'l"1\ Oih.., 00 ill:" f oorlT' (c) To vote and to be elected at periodic elections to any
th) O"7'i:ftD-r foo")..,F:" ~lJr Of1.tJ.tD- O"7..it¥.(' office at any level of government; elections shall be
rc6li). foorlT'i foooolT II rC~tD- o-ft- by universal and equal suffrage and shall beheld by
h+ti:. Oo-ft-r ~ boA~:" I\~ f+ooill+'i O"7..h...c secret ballot, guaranteeing the free expression of the
.('r" hil tl'fT 00 toQJ: L:Jt ~") O~, ~:,. f"7..1A
will of the electors.
JtO:" "''''':'''i f"7..ilT 00"") hl\O:" I: 2. The right of everyone to be a member of his own will in a
I. 07"I\-I:it.('C:E--fT' OlPto+7fT . 0")"'.(' . OhlP~9»T'i political organization, labour union, trade organization,
",... 0 to:" 1\+,,:,. t.': .('C:E-rf: f"7..m~"'tD-") m:"1\ 1\'i or employers' or professional association shall be respec-
n""'l
A ~ fh'1A~:" ooh~C:" f"7..1":1.1\"7")~tD-r iltD- 0ti:I\1rf: ted i{he or she meets the special and general requirements
h'1A foo.,") oo-orf: f+hOl 011"") hl\O:":: stipalated by such organization.
r. OtLU h")"'1t ")o-h h")"'1t I O+OOl\hrf::" .('C:E-"'T tD-h...
3. Elections to positions of responsibility within any of the
I\:)I\~~:" f1:J-9»Tf"7.it¥~ rC~9'T ~''i 1-..'l"htoll.lce organizations referred to under sub-Article 2 of this
O.,~ 00")1.(' ~~"'''7ft- :: Article shall be conducted in a free and democratic
§. ftLU h")"'1t ")o-h h")+1t I ~'i r .('");11.9'Tfih1l-o") manner.
T:t-r il4- '11\ 0-1:J- f"7. ~bo ~h h"~ .(' lh Oih" '1ce 4. The provisions of sub-Articles 2 and 3 of this Article shall
.('C:E-"'T I\~ +~"'''7. ~"'ift- :: apply to civic organizations which significantly affect the
public interest.
h")+Y\ c9i}
f-oth.C"T . -oth.lilf1T . ih1lf1T 00-0:"
Article 39
Rights of Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples
Ii. "7")r;:tD-r f h. :"f"A-1 -0th.C . -oth.lil-o . ih"-o f to""") 1. Every Nation, Nationality and People in Ethiopia has an
".('A Oto"" foomil") ~hhOD1")mA 11\tD-oo-orf: 0"7'i unconditional right to self-determination, including the
:ftD-r ooAbol1\ 1~-o f+mO.,. ~tD-II right to secession.
I. "7")r;:tD-r fh.:"f"A-l -oth.C . -oth.lil-o . ih1l-o ml:
2. Every Nation, Nationality and People in Ethiopia has the
")*tD- fOO'i1C . fOD"'ti: . *")*tD-") f"7"~'" 7..'i '1ihl\-") right to speak, to write and to develop its own language;
fOD"'I\1t . M~OC'i f"7h4-4-:" ~")Jlo-r :J-~bo") foo") to express, to develop and to promote its culture; and to
h'1h-O 011-0:" hl\tD- I: preserve its history.
r. ",")r;:tD-r fh.:"f"kl -oth.C . -oth.lil-o . ih1l-o to""")
3. Every Nation, Nationality and People in Ethiopia has the
f"7"'+.c;"C "...ft- 00"":" hl\tD- :: ~u OIl :" -oth.~ .
right to a full measure of self-government which includes
-oth.lilo- . ih1l0- Oil~lO:" ODAh, r.('c to""") f"7.1h
the right to establish institutions of government in the
+.c;.('CO:" oo")"'F:J-ce +!1:"7:" f"7**r 7..")Jlo-r
territory that it inhabits and to equitable representation in
OhAA'i 04..1-..toA hh+.c;"C"T tD-hT "7.tJ'ice tD-hA'i state and Federal governments.
f",..,1':" 011-0:"")lm:J'AI\A :1
1~ Hi t..f-o&.A, ~:J&"" ;>,l.llJ <h1'C: ji ~thl\ Hi <1'1Iilf"it% ~.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 14

2' f11th.C: 'flth.l(}P"f t ih1fP"f ft-it1 iJ1:A flt-it fOOlD(11 4. The right to self-determination,including secession, of every
hith 0011mA 0011:" h".,I,. Itf, ftllJ.tD-t\tD-; Nation, Nationality and People shall come into effect:
U) f0011mA l' /tJ: fl11th.C t fl11th.l(}{t lDf,9" flih1f{t (a) When a demand for secession has been approved by a
f ihO' "'tD-'1J. 9"hC 0.:" flo-t\:" Y'it+i1 f 1:9"6 1:;Jfj: two-thirds majority of the members of the Legislative
+"'I1f,~:" 01/"'11: iLl;J1T ; Council of the Nation, Nationality or People concer-
t\) f t..lot-fto 001..,,,.,:" f11th.C t f11th.l(}{t lDf,9" ned;
f ih1f{t 9"hC 0.:" tD-It);fl1.l(}tD- flY'it:" ~oo:,. 1.tI. (b) When the Federal Government has organized a
tD-it1' t\m/cttD- lIth.C t 11th.l(}11 lDf,9" ih1f11 referendum which must take place within three years
ih 1f{l tD-It); iL/ 1.1,. 1: : from the time it received the concerned council's
d1) f0011mfto l' /tJ: flih1ffl tD-It);tD- fl"'111t6l>l. 1:9"6 decision for secession;
iLY.1CJ: ; (c) When the demand for secession is supported by a
00) ft..lot-fto 001..,,,.,:" 0011mfto1 t\OOlmtD- lIth.Ct majority vote in the referendum;
'fl,h.l(}11 lDf,9" ih1f11 9"hC 0.:" ".,AtlJ.,.1 iL/it
(d) When the Federal Government will have transferred its
lh.fl : powers to the Council of the Nation, Nationality or
lP) fliho, fltllJ.lD(}~tD- oo(}l:" f111l:" hCJ:CJ:A iL1.l.., People who has voted to secede; and
~tD-::
(e) When the division of assets is effected in a manner
?;. fltLtJ ih1 001..,,,.,:" tD-itT "11th.C t lIth.l(}11 t ih1fll" prescribed by law.
OI/t\:" hILtJ "'1'f\o f+1t\RtD-1 I1tJCf, ftllJ./ltf, OI/..,fll(}l1
5. A "Nation, Nationality or People" for the purpsoe of this
~tD- :: (14- /t\ f ;JI,. ml1f, ftllJ.!1RI1C"" l1ihA lDf,9"
Constitution, is a group of people who have or share a large
.f'ooltltf, A9"f."f /ItTtD- : t\. ..,11{tfl:" ftllJ."fftofl:" f;Jt-
measure of a common culture or similar customs, mutual
*1* /ItTtD- t f;Jt- lDf,9" f+tfoo1. ihAtD-e; "'t\111t\tD- intelligibility of language, belief in a common or related
ftllJ./9"~. : f""~ APe; "'11:"1:" /ItTtD-e; fl"'11tfi1tD- identities, a common psychological make-up, and who
fl+//H ooAh~ 9"1:C fOl/.tj~ e;TtD- :: inhabit an identifiable,predominantly contiguous territory.
Article 40
"'1'" 1\ '!j
f1'fll:" 0011:"
The Right to Property
1. Every Ethiopian citizen has the right to the ownership of
6' 0I/1i1tD-9"fh.:,.r-k/ ".;J fO'A 111l:"I1t\0.:" oolf.,.joolfc;.
~ private property. Unless prescribed otherwise by law on
f,hflCt\;J-Ajf,hflCIt;J-A :: f,tJ 0011:" f ih1f111 '1'''''9'' account of public interest, this right shall include the right to
t\oomfl"" flt\.1t o-);;J- flih.., hitI1A+lD(}~ 1:lit 111l:" acquire,to use and, in a manner compatible with the rights of
foo/1fe; fl111l:" foom"'9" lDf,9" ft\.f\o"f1 tl.1"f 0011-f"f other citizens, to dispose of such property by sale or bequest
or to transfer it otherwise.
hiti1A+:Pl~ 1:i.it111l:"1 fooi'iT t fOl/tD-litlDf,9" flt\.1t
00111: Mit+Itt\CJ: 0011-f"f1 /11:";J-A :: 2. "Private property", for the purpsoe of this Article, shall
e:. t\tLtJ "'1"'1\ ~1t0i/ "f..,A 111l:"" OI/t\:" orni1tD-9" mean any tangible or intangibleproduct which has value and
h.:,.r-k/If tI.;J lDf,9" ih;J1f (}tD-~:"flih.., f+(}tlJTtD- is produced by the labour, creativity, enterprise or capital of
an individual citizen, associations which enjoy juridical
h. :"r-k /If OI/..,flt-:" lDf,9" "'..,1111fl"'ItTtD- o-);;J-sP"f
personality under the law, or in appropriate circumstances,
flih.., fl+t\f fl;Jt- f1'fll:"I1t\0.:" h1JtIf.,. f+L.,.Y.ltTtD-
by communities specifically empowered by law to own
OI/..,fll(}P"f fl1-Afl;J-TtD- t flooCJ:mC "ff\o;J-TtD- lDf,9"" property in common.
fli11;;J-ItTtD- / tC..~:"+QJ,I1~ flf~e; f+QJ,I16£"~:" ml1f,
Itf,tj ltD- €I';J /t\tD- tD-m.:" ~tD-:: 3. The right to ownership of rural and urban land, as well as of
all natural resources, is exclusively vested in the State and in
[. f1mC9" In fh+O? oot..:,.e; f+LTC: U11:" 11t\0.:"~:"
the peoples of Ethiopia. Land is a common property of the
0011:" f001..,,,.,:,.e;fih1f11 11:F ~tD- :: 001..:" Mf,i'fT Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia and shall not
fOl/f,t\lDT fh.:,.r-k/ 11th.c:"f t 11th.l(}p"fe; ih1fP"f f;Jt- be subject to sale or to other means of exchange.
111l:" ~tD- ::
4. Ethiopian peasants have right to obtain land without payment
2' fh.:,.r-A'/ "'C(t "'1.c:"f 0010:" fl~' M"'1:,.e; hOOt..;J-TtD-
and the protection against eviction from their possession.
/t\oo~"'A 0011;J-TtD- f+hfll ~tD-:: "'L1.ROD-1fl+oot\h+ The implementation of this provision shall be specified by
1fC1fC ih.., f,lDtlJA :: law.
?;. fh.:,.r-k/ Hltif"f t\"'fI1"li9" If~ t\hCi'f ftllJ.m"'OD-fl:" 0010:"
5. Ethiopian pastoralists have the right to free land for grazing
fl~' M"'1:" t foom"'?'"'1 hOOt..;J-TtD- /t\oo~..c;"'A
and cultivation as well as the right not to be displaced from
0011:" "'ItTtD- :: 1fC1fC "'tC.."ROD-flih.., f,lD(}e;A :: their own lands. The implementation shall be specified by
}. fool..:" 11t\0.:"~:" fh.:,.r-k/ 11th.c:"f t 11th.l(}PTc; law.
ih1fP"f oolf.,. h 11.+mfl.,. Iftj 001..,,,.,:" t\..,A I1t\U11-f"f
6 . Without prejudice to the right of Ethiopian Nations,
flih.., fltllJ.lD(}1 hCJ:/ flOOI..:" foom"'9" 0011;J-:ftD-1
Nationalities, and Peoples to the ownership of land,
/ith11CItT'P A :: "'C1f~ flCh'" f,lD(}e;A I: government shall ensure the right of private investors to the
use of land on the basis of payment arrangements es-
tablished by law. Particulars shall be determined by law.
1K' Xl; t..fot.l\ ~;1t"" ;1,1f1l <h'l'C!i ~(hI1. Xl; 4>1 Hifif% q.9".. Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 15

'to 1P/1er i\.Tf-kf«£ O,..AO-l: I OJy,er 011"(1- OOUI..T "y, 7. Every Ethiopian shall have the full right to the immovable
t\ 0IJ.1 ~ 11OJ« cJ:0IJ. 1 1Il T OJ y,er t\ OIJ.f ~C1 OJ«cJ:0IJ. ou 7i7i A property he builds and to the permanent improvements he
OD-~ OU1lT ht\OJ« :: Y,U OU1lT foui"i'1' I fout\OJ'1' I brings about on the land by his labour or capital. This
flP/ OJ«l il I foul.. T 1-1Il:J>OIJ.~ -I: fl cJ:l '1' 111l-l:1 right shall include the right to alienate, to bequeath, and,
fIP/11}TI 11t\0':1~~-I:1 fIP/tfOJC OJy,er fill} h~f fOUlllf~ where the right of use expires, to remove his property,
ou1lT1 fI1T;f'A :: 1IC1fC h~.~U~OD-O,'h"l y,OJlI.e;A ::
transfer his title, or claim compensation for it. Particulars
shall be determined by law.
~. f"lA 111lT l1t\o.T~T OU1lT h1~1-1Il0~ lflf t ou1
"lr'T t\,'h1111 '1'~er hil~-"1. lflf flf110J« 1-ouflJflJ:'; 8. Without prejudice to the right to private property, the
111} O~ Y:OIJ.f oouh~A f"lA 111lT1 t\ouOJ«lI.Y: government may expropriate private property for public
purposes subject to payment in advance of compensation
Y,"f"A::
commensurate to the value of the property.

h1~'" ~li Article 41

fi\.1'1lfOlJ. I flP/..,o~«£e; fl1,'hA OU1l.y."f Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
1. Every Ethiopian has the right to engage freely in
Ii. 1P/1~ OJ«er i\. T f-k f«£ 0 U1 {;-I: OJ«il '1' OIP/1 ~ OJ«er
economic activity and to pursue a livelihood of his choice
fi\.1'1lflP/. h1~il:J>"" foull.lP/~Te; t\OU1-.&;~{;fOJ«foul. anywhere within the national territory.
1Il0J«1 r'~ four'II'T ou1lT ht\OJ« ::
2. Every Ethiopian has the right to choose his or her means of
~. V-~er i\.'''' f' k f«£ ou 1-'&;~.
(; f OJ«1 t
r' ~0J«1 e; OD-f OJ«1 livelihood, occupation and profession.
fouerl'1' OU1lT ht\OJ« ::
[. fi\.Tf-A'f U1"f v-t\:. OOU1"lr'T 11"11 00lJ.11~~ 3. Every Ethiopian national has the right to equal access to
publicly funded social services.
IP/"'O~«£ h1A"lftn.y."f Oh h-A ~T foulll~er ou1lT
4. The State has the obligation to allocate ever increasing
h" TOJ« ::
Q' OU1"lr'T fmS I fTerUCTe; Ibftn"f flP/"'O~«£ h1A"lftn
resources to provide to the public health, education and
.y."f1 t\,'h1111 t\1P/~l.'0 Of1.'f.OJ« hf{;Q.oul fOlJ.~Y: U1IT other social services.
Y,ouY:I1A :: 5. The State shall, within available means, allocate resources
~. ou1"lr"'" fhl1A he; fh/Jerr: ,...&;1-q."f1 I hl.;J«£f11e; to provide rehabilitation and assistance to the physically
ft\m,,'f: OJy,er ft\hl}.&;1. f~~ ,'h'le;T1 t\1P/cJ:cJ:erc; and mentally disabled, the aged, and to children who are
t\OUC'&;T fU1{;-I: fi\.1'1lfOlJ. h~er O~~~OJ« ~ljf h1h left without parents or guardian.
'0110. f.V~C;JA :: 6. The State shall pursue policies which aim to expand job
OU1"lr"'" t\r'~ h(J1"fe; t\"f"'lq."f r'~ t\OU~lIlC opportuniti~s for the unemployed and the poor and shall
i'
fOlJ.f il "f A T t\. fl Y, h 1-" A : h 1 Jt v-er 0 OIJ.fl1'l~0J« accordingly undertake programmes and public works
fr'11' "C~ OJ«il'1' fr'11' /JY:A t\OU~lIlC fr'~ Tr:"l~
projects.
qu"f1 fmflJA I Tr:~h.y."f1 fl1~'&;A :: 7. The State shall undertake all measures necessary to
'to OU1"lr"'" t1.1"f 1Il:J>1P/.r'11' flP/"l1T /JY:"TOJ« hfll.4. increase opportunities for citizens to find gainful em-
h 1Jt ~Y: t\1P/Y:l."l hil~"1. hCerjf9'"f1 Y,OJil.&;A::
. ployment.
~. 101..9'"fC;
""1
i\.Tf'kfOJ«f1 Of1.UOJ« hf1-7i7it\ flP/. 8. Ethiopian farmers and pastoralists have the right to
~Y: ~r: t\oulfC flP/.fil"f"TOJ«C; t\erCT 11~l."'T hil1- receive fair prices for their products, that would lead to
tp"'/..;JC 1-ouflJflJ:'; flr~ 1-10. tp;J t\erCT OJ«{f]..y.Y:TOJ« improvement in their conditions of life and to enable
flP/"l'Y'1' ou1lT h"~~OJ« :: OU1"lr"'" fi\.1'1lfOlJ. t flP/..,O them to obtain an equitable share of the national wealth
1- A er 0 T 1.U 0 H. U l}"1P/
II' «£e; fA IP/ T 7' t\. fl 9' 1~1 0 OIJ.
commensurate with their contribution. This objective
ououll'.1. ht\OT :: shall guide the State in the formulation of economic ,
social and development policies.
!t. ou1"lr':" fl1,'hAc," f;h~h ~C{\"f1 fou1hl1h1le; t\r'~'1'
01le; t\il7~CT OUiltj~4-.T hil1-tp/JP flP/Y:l."l 9. The State has the responsibility to protect and preserve
~"k ~T
ht\OT :: historical and cultural legacies, and to contribute to the
promotion of the arts and sports.
i',1 ~
'"
Pie Article 42
flPll'-I.q."f OU1lT
Rights of Labour
1. (a) Factory and service workers, farmers, farm labourers,
Ii' U) f4.'O{;I1e; fh1A"'l\o..,. lPll'1-q."f I 101..9'"f I fhcif
other rural workers and government employees
IPII'.,.q.1' : lbl\o1' f111lC lPll'1-q."f I h1-OJlI.~
whose work compatibility allows for it and who are
f~"~. ~T ~ljf O;J."f f t\:.e; f r' II' 1Ill1fTOJ« fOlJ.~~ below a certain level of responsibility, have the right
y.'''~~0J« fOU1"lr'T lPll'1-q."f f r' ~e; fi\.1'1lflP/. to form associations to improve their conditions of
V-kJ'9'"f1 t\1P/"li7iA OIP/..,OC fOUY.~~T OU1lT employment and economic well-being. This right
h"~~OJ« :: y,u OU'OT flP~1-~ 1P/"'0~T1e; Ibftn"f includes the right to form trade unions and other
1P/..,0/1'T1 flP/~/I'~f. T I hhlP{;9'"fe; '1'~IP/T0J«1 associations to bargain collectively with employers
hlP/. ~h- Ibftn"f Y.~c"f:i~"f ;JC fou Y.~~C OU1lT1 or other organizations that affect their interests.
fl1:";f'A ::
 '/?'!:,!, tI..~.t.t:\ ~:Jt,} ?IL"I ''''re?i ~<h(1.it, '~1 iiH:'w% 'HI", Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21" August 1995 - Page 16

1\) WW.it t.'}<f>1.' (II) l',t'OOl\h1:"" I'lvlr"';;: het:I\."f (b) Categories of persons referred to in paragraph (a) of
F' /.. "'I''''''''', {,Q.""{~ TI..;J'r{J}<", 1'''7f1''7'''' oo-fH this sub-Article have the right to express grievances,
t.IVt:{J}< ,: including the right to strike.
d1) {no,it (II) },c,' (I\) uPfll."" 'hm':"<; Ill'f..} (c) Government employees who enjoy the rights
t.","'''''
uP.fI-I'."f l\uPiIl"'''''I'°,/."ftr'''' flID","1F"'" lP/,..t-7f'"f provided under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this sub-
fl,).°1 y,mfl<;I\' :: Article shall be determined by law.
uP) {I.-I";1" lPlr't-?';';'j- /\-t,oollllY, F'lr .t,oollllY, hlj:Y
(d) Women workers have the right to equal pay for equal
1'''7°rr.} uP'fI;F':w" I"hnfl'" ~{J}<::
work.
~, 1~'lr.t-7f''''''' flt.°lllfl' l'.t'OJfI~ I'F'I;' fll}.} f)l.et:'''' J 1'00
'11<;:;' 'I.II. : flI'1.lL{J}< hh'~,I' :1(: l'''7.flm' I'~l.lj:..,. <I><:'"f: 2. Workers have the right to reasonable limitation of
.\'.ooOJ'II l'''7.h6.AIl~:w'I';''''II'n fll}".} 'hV;'v-"" m,,<;"7<; working hours, to rest, to leisure, to periodic leaves with
t,Y.:J I''''IN'.eitl'F'/'. t.,,:f{J}<:: pay, to remuneration for public holidays as well as
t,t)IH1,I''''I''11'''' uP'fI""
},~llU'} OD'fI-I"1' '/'°1'11r'P. l\"7f.:l."1I'''7.wm' ;"'11' flltU healthy and safe work envirpnment.
1:'
t,}<1>"" ",o'it t.",<1>"" ~ uPfll.'''' 'h{J}<:"<; ,1'11-'''''', t1D-fH"1' 3. Without prejudice to the rights recognized under sub-
lIY,"''',fI. N'm<l>fI''''' (}y,H' 1'11'/,."';;: "'I..,fl/,."" iII\"7.** Article I of this Article, laws enacted for the implemen-
OO-fl""<;, I'.:I/.. Y:ef.:e itl\"7.I1't~'n"" F'Cl}"" y,Y.~"1;JI\':: tation of such rights shall establish procedures for the
formation of trade unions and for the regulation of the
t,H'1.' 0;1' collective bargaining process.
I'A"'/'} uP-fl""
Article 43

{i' 1'h..H'A'.1" ;"'11f1"f flt.iIl."'''Y,'''' If~ nh.,"'r-A-,I' ,l'ho The Right to Development
'fI,h,C.'.}', : .nd1.l.fI{J".}', : 'h'ml".1" n.t-<;mA n.e V-);;t' I. The Peoples of Ethiopia as a whole, and each Nation,
J':{D"} 1''''1 ,'i i\' A lj 1'''7,1'*c'r 'h.I":'I'''' 1''''I°rr..,. uP-fl,"'r{J}< Nationality and People in Ethiopia in particular have the
I"hnn", ',w' :: right to improved living standards and to sustainable
Ii' 1I.1"f n'fI,h./'.'P. A"'I''''l'lIDlI.t'lj: fI.,.I\Y,"" t.IlA I'If~fl""", development.
"'I..,fll.fI'fI uP 1\h": /'l\..fl.9'1'<; TC::f.h-l'."f "y, IIlIIl
1'''7.
~:{J}<",'h",.ltflm. l'uPml':" 2. Nationals have the right to participate in national
uP.fl.} t."r{J}<::
development and, in particular, to be consulted with
e' lID'}OIF"} lI'MII" t"t'l':' Y.I.~' 1''''I.11J~:{J}< it.,...,..H'."f.,..
,,.,, respect to policies and projects affecting their com-
1''''I..I''J!.e:J~:{J}< "rn:H.""', I't.,.}r-A'y", 1'''7,1'*C<r
munity.
},.~'1'''' lID'IH. 1'''7..l''ilh'flo;. uP""} t.I\Il:f{J}< ::
~. I'Ao'H 'h",'PiI,4'(J. 'Pl.,- ,}""'I1'1L1'f", 3. All international agreements and relations concluded,
'h~'1''''<; uPfll.;t''P.
l~" 1-1'.."f "'1".'1-""" Y,1f<;'A :: established or conducted by the State shall protect and
ensure Ethiopia's right to sustainable development.
t,H'1.' ..j i! 4. The basic aim of development activities shall be to
ft,l1tlf1, ,(',u",H' uP.n.'" enhance the capacity of citizens for developement and to
meet their basic needs.
~, /J."..,.. fI9"''j- ",1..U<;' iIIS"7 nlf~ t.l1lJfl. fuP<:'e uP,n.",
t, :,: {J}<:: Article 44
11, "
lID","IF"} fI"'I..I"I1'tP,:':ciJ. Teollr'l°"f .,..h",,1''''' N'6. Environmental Rights
,,-,,,,,. (,IY,"" ~,c.'t,:':rD' f.t'~I)tFf{J)<
fl9'"f v-I\' floo", I. All persons have the right to a clean and healthy
"IF"'" {H: },CP,;J' my, 1\.<\ t.11Ilfl. uPII'Pmc", m..,..e environment.
.t'(/IJ("lIl:'; I',n I'nt/.fl OJy,.,..
lb" t."7/"1iJ!' "711117i 2. All persons who have been displaced or whose livelihoods
{''''''rr:,. uP'fl'} t.,,:f{J}<::
have been adversely affected as a result of State program-
mes have the right to commensurate monetary or alter-
native means of compensation, including relocation with
""~/..l':' tdr'} adequate State assistance.
l'uP'}"I!":" t,m."'",c
CHAPTER FOUR
t,}<f>1.' .ij 1:
STATE STRUCTURE
F'C'H' llD",°IP"'"
Article 45

1't...''''I''A'! b...I!../,.I\'P. J.'..'l°h/..fl.,I''P. /.T'fll\..h F'C'H Form of' Government

'ID","II";t. ;J'e"o,/:} ;"'P. ~lD' :: The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia shall have a
parliamentarian form of government.
 August 1995 - Page 17
~,hl\. Hi '1'1 Ii!I.!t1, ~'9'"
Federal Negaiit Gazeta - No. I 21"
1~ 11, ~~t.t\ ~;Jt-r ;JIL"1 <II'!'!:?i
Article 46
h14'K' '?il States of the Federation
f /.,.YvI..A \1Af\o"f
1. The Federal Democratic Republic shaH comprise of
.,w- States.
f/.,.Yvt.(\' {/D1"1P"t' Il\1Af\o"f f-tCP4'l
Ii' I 1:11: I" "'11.,t' 'he; 2. States shaH be delimited on the basis of the settlement
~, \1Af\o"f f"'l. CP4'~t' 1l;"1t11 M4..tC patterns, language, identity and consent of the people
{/D{/DIII t' ., w-
.tJ'1: liS'> 11 " concerned.
Article 47
h14'K' "i~
Member States ofthe Federal Democratic Republic
f /.,.Yv/rA {/D1"1r.-t' Milt'
1. Member States of the Federal Democratic Republic of
tTlIc\.\1 Milt' Ethiopia are the following:
Ii' fh.H'k, /.,.YvtA'C Yv'f"\1/rIt,'C 1) The State of Tigray
e;:fw-
f"'l.h-t".t' 2) The State of Mar
"
ii' H"1/rS'> hAA 3) The State of Amhara
~. fh4.C hAA
[, fh07/r \1AA 4) The State of Oromia
5) The State of Somalia
g' fM.':"'l.' \1AA
~. ffl-"'1lt. \1AA 6) The State of BenshanguUGumuz
}. f0.17i1...A/ 1I \1AA 7) The State of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and
f1.o-11l1,h.~"f I lI,h.l(\(\"fe; ;"1I(\"f \1AA Peoples
'1.'
t. f ;1?"o.II ;"11 (\"f \1AA 8) The State of the Gambela Peoples
9) The State of the Harari People
U' f tltU ;"1111 \1AA
jI. 1ltt.1I h14>K' 10-11 h14>K' ii f-t{/D/\h1:t' \1AI\-"f w-lI'I' 2. Nations, Nationalities and Peoples within the States
- ;"1I(1"f IlO71;;:w-?" enumerated in'sub-Article 1 of this article have the right
f-t\1-t1:t' 1I,h.~"f I 11"':l(\(\"f '
ff{,.lt:fw-1 \1AA f071:1:?" {/D1It' M:fw- to establish, at any time, their own States.
'UL "
[. f"'11;;:w-?" lI,h.C I 'll,h.l(\l1 ;"1111 f/rfl-1 hAA 3. The right of any Nation, Nationality or People to form its
' ;
f{/D{/DlIlt' (/D11t' P"l.. 'IS'>f"'l.w-/\w- own state is exercisable under the following procedures:
, 1l1l,h.l(\0- (a) When the demand for statehood has been approved
0) f'iJAA (/D{/D1Ilt' 'I' ,<l:w- 1l11,h.~
OJS'>?" 11;"110- ?"\1C 0. t' 11 t' V'lI-t;;: 1:?"II by a two-thirds majority of the members of the
"'/\
,<l:w- 11 K'""If: Council of the Nation, Nationality or People concer-
-t4' 11M t' 07"111: Itl;1'1 'l'e; 'I' ned, and the demand is presented in writing to the
;
"hAI\- ?"hC o.t' It4'C11 State Council;
/\) 'I"<l:w- f4'lll/\t' fhAA ?"hC o.t' 'I"<l:w- (b) When the Council that received the demand has
ll1.l (\ w- Ilh 11: '}(/Dt' 1.tL w-1I'I' /\m f 4'w- organized a referendum within one year to be held in
it);
11,h.C' 11,h.l(\11 OJS'>?" ;"1111 ;"11 11 w- the Nation, Nationality or People that made the
It, f./r 1: . demand;
'
tit) hAA f{/D{/DlIlt' 'I' ,<l:w- 1l11,h.~ I 1l11,h.ll'lo- (c) When the demand for statehood is supported by a
OJS'>?";"110- ;"1111 w-it); Ilhllll""l 1:?"II 1t1.'11f:; majority vote in the referendum;
(/D) fhAI\- ?"\1C o.t' P"AIfJ.,.1 /\mf4'W- 11,h.C I (d) When the State Council will have transferred its
; powers to the Nation,Nationality or People that
'O,h.l(\11 OJS'>?";"1I11It,lIlhll
w) 0;"1111 w-it); f"'l..tmlw- h"lll hAA '1',<1: made the demand; and
(e) When the new State created by the referendum
O7:"l11 it,lI.tA'1W- 04''I';t- fh.H'k, /.,.Yv/rll'C
Yv.,.,\1/rIt,'C tTlIc\.h hilA 1t11'1
.,w- without any need for application, directly becomes a
" member of the Federal Democratic Republic of
g' fh.H'k, kYv/r"'C Yv'f"\1I..It''C tT'Ilc\.h Mllt''hb-A Ethiopia.
{/D11t'e; P"A1fJ1 hll:fw-
" 4. Member States of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia shall have equal rights and powers.
h14'K' "it Article 48
fhM/\A /\w-tO"f
State Border Changes
II~
ii' fhAf\o"f1 OJ(\1 Il"'l.{/D/\ht' '1',<1: f-t.,it 'h11.11''' 1. All State border disputes shall be settled by agreement of
lI?,,?,,"t' S'>.t'l."'1A f"'l.{/D/\h the concerned States. Where the concerned States fail to
Il"'l.{/D/\h;t-:fw- \1AI\-"f " reach agreement, the l,Iouse of the Federation shall decide
;t-:fw- \1AI\-"f {/D1ID7D7t' \1A:F I\- f /"'f../" 11.,. ?"\1C 0. t' such disputes on the basis of settlement patterns and the
,I
f;"1I1I1 h(\4..tCe; If:II1t' {/D(\lt' IlO71:l"1 S'>OJlIe;A wishes of the peoples concerned.
{/Di\lt' f4'lll 11,. ho-/\t'
~. 0tt.1I h14'K' 10-11 h14'K' ii 2. The House of Federation shall, within a period of two
11.,. ?"\1c o.t'
'}{/Dt' IlAOI\m 1.tL w-1I'I' Ilkf../" years, render a final decision on a dispute submitted to it
f (/D(;I;\,l7i w-it); S'>(\ 'l'0;t- A pursuant to sub-Article I of this Art:;:;1e.
"
 ~,h(L I?; 1>1 :uni!'~ 'H". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21" August 1995 - Page 18
'IX' Ii 4..Y.t.A ~;lt'1' ;lIL"1 '111'C:?i

Article 49
h'}4'7\ "i!1
eM h+<"1 Capital City
I. Addis Ababa shall be the capital city of the Federal State,
f~Y..IAt. oo'}"1l1T eM hT"'1 h"tll hOIl ~ID- :1
fi' 2. The residents of Addis Ababa shall have a full measure of
g. fM.lI Mil hT"'1 M1"H'.e t-,,"'} Ot-,," f"'1l1T.I\~C
self-government. Particulars shall be determined by law.
oo-lr P'Ann f.<: l.'PA :: 11C1I~ 0:t."1 f.(/J(t<;A ::
(, 3. The Administration of Addis Ababa shall be responsible
fh.ltll hOll h+<"1 hllT.I\~C Ttn~"1: h~Y..t-lr oP'}
to the Federal Govemement.
"IP"} f.tr<;A ::
~, fh.ltll hOIl "'P~9':f OILU oo'}"IP'T OT~"111D" 4. Residents of Addis Ababa shall in accordance with the
"'1 provisions of this Constitution, be represented in the
oo{\l.T O~Y..t-lr f"'1I'O T(/Jqr-:f 9"hc Il.T f.(/JMh'::
; fh",A"li1"T h:"C(1'} (/Jf.9" fTIt-r~ House of Peoples' Representatives.
f,' fM':"'1..! nAA
tHIT htn:J'<f>9",}<; fooi't(tlrT'} .,..I\r-:f OToohhT t 5. The special interest of the State of Oromia in Addis
Ababa, regarding the provision of social services or the
},'}.ltIJ-9" h.ltll h~1l 0"~"'1..! hAA ooVA f"'l.1~
utilization of natural resources and other similar matters,
000"'" f"'1.."{\' IJ-h"I:'} f"'1..!lITi'ti\~ hi\T.I\~t-'f as well as joint administrative matters arising from the
",..I\f-:f'} OTOOhhT !hlD- A¥- '1':"9" J'.tnO:"h;t-A ::
location of Addis Ababa within the State of Oromia, shall
11e11~ 0"'''1 f.(/J(t<;A :: be respected. Particulars shall be determined by law.
CHAPTER FIVE

9"lJt-'t- h9"lIT THE STRUCTURE AND DIVISION OF POWERS

fP'A~'}h(/J:J'4'c~<;h't-'t-A Article 50
Structure of the Organs of State
h'}4'7\ ~
M P'A~'} hql\T h(/J:J'4'C 1. The Federal democratic Republic of Ethiopia comprises
the Federal Government and the State members.
fh.TN,! t,.Y..t-I\'f Y..'f"ht-I'I.!'f ~T-I1f1..h O~Y..t-A 2. The Federal Governent and the States shall have
fi'
oo,}"1P'T<; OhAiI":f fT'P4'l. ~ID- :: legislative, executive and judicial powers.
~T t f "'''I
g. f ~Y..t-fl' oo,}"1I"T<;hAiI":f f "'''I hID-(;!;\. 3. The House of Peoples' Representatives is the highest
hllt.K"'1,"T<;f.l\~~T P'A~'} M:f1D-:: authority of the Federal Government. The House is
(. f~f"l,"fI' oo,}"1I"T h't-T:;: fl"Ant'} hqA f~Y..t-lr responsible to the People. The State Council is the highest
oo'}"1P'T f"'1I-I1 T(/Jqr-:f 9"nC Il.T ~(IJ<::Ttn~"1:9" organ of State authority. It is responsible to the People of
hV1~1: "'11-11 ~ID- :: fhAA h't-T;;' fl"Ant'} hqA the State.
fnAlr 9"hC Il.T ~ID-; Ttn~~1:9" fI(/Jhfl.1D-hAA "'11-11 4. State government shall be established at State and other.
~(IJ<:: administrative levels that they find necessary. Adequate
hAI\":f: OhAA~T<; nAiI":f Mt..I\1. "'lID- 0"'l.!1~ power shall be granted to the lowest units of government
11'
h:f1D- fhllT.I\~C ~ch<::f f.'P4't-lr :: "'11ft' 011:"1':;: to enable the People to participate directly in the
administration of such units.
fMT.I\f.C ~ch :f 04'-r;t- f.i'tT't- "'}~ h1l:"T:;:
~Ch<::f 04: I"A~,} f.l\ntA :: 5. The State Council has the power oflegislation on matters
(;. fnAA 9"nC Il.T OnAl\- I"Ant') lie II"'" .,..I\r-:f fh falling under State jurisdiction. Consistent with the
oo,}"1I"T provisions of this Constitution, the Council has power to
A fl. f"'''1 hlD-'''- hqA 'lID- :: r.wn "'1
oo(tl.T O"'1~l."1 fhAfI',} ;,,', oo,}"1I"T !".?7fA I draft, adopt and amend the state constitution.

!K~:J'A : !?\'1II\A :: 6. The State administration constitutes the highest organ of

'[;. fhAA oollT.I\~C fnAh' h't-T:;: f"'''1 MltK"'1.. hqA executive power.
~(IJ<:: 7. State judicial power is vested in its courts.
'k' fhAA f.l\~~T I"Ant'} f't-C~ Il.f-:f -I1:F 'lID- :: 8. Federal and State powers are defined by this Constitution.
t,. f~f"l,"fI' oo'}"1I"T<; fhAh":f P'Ant'} ntLU "'1 oP'} The States shall respect the powers of the Federal
"IP'T "'(/JlIS:A :: h~Y..I,"lr oo'}"1I"T fT{\tnlD- Government. The Federal Government shall likewise
P'A~,} OhAiI":f oohOC hfl.nT :' hhAiI":f f1'(ttnlD- respect the powers of the States.
P'A~'} O~f"l,"fI' oo,}"1I"T oPhOC hhOT :: 9. The Federal Government may, when necessary, delegate
ii' f~Y..lrA oo,}"1P'T OILtJ "'1 oo'}"1I"T h,}4'7\ ~~ to the States powers and functions granted to it by Article
\H.{\tn""'I"A~,} ~<; '''''1Il~:f ~,}.I\i\t.l\1.~1: hhAiI":f 51 of this Constitution.
(llD-hN; fI..(t-r f.:fl\A ::
 No.1 21 August 1995 - Page 19
st
1Jt lit ~10~-/:\ .,;J&T ;JnlfJ <h1'CIi .,,,,(\ Hi <1>,Iitfft 'i''''' Federal Negarit Gazeta -

h1~1\ ---
lib Article 51
"., A 1f)1'i" .,..., 11C
001..,,,.,:" Powers and Functions of the Federal Government
f ~Y..IrA
1. It shall protect and defend the Constitution.
ih1 001..,,,.,-1:1 f.m11:J>A ; f.hl\hl\A :: 2. It shall fonnulate and implement the country's policies,
b' strategies and plans in respect of overall economic, social
i. frJ1~-I:1 hm:J>I\f.fhJl'iOlJ. t fOlJ"'rOIr«£'i" f AOIJ:" and development matters.
;rlLiL t it:"Iri::(S iJ~Y: !CDIf)A ; !itL1\OIJA :1
3. It shall establish and implement national standards and
r' fmS t f:"~tJC:" t fllihA'i" :f'~I'1«£ ~Cit t fllf.1it'i" basic policy criteria for public health, education, science
i:h'if\oj{ rJ1C h+~ OOOO"t;=9'T'i" OO(}l:f'«£ f;rlLiL and technology as well as for the protection and
00/\ h.! 9' T1 !CDIf)A ; !itL1\OIJA :: preservation of cultural and historical legacies.
~. frJ1~-I:1 f4.f.'i"1it: f11"11 t fCD-6f.hh,1ii'it:"001:" 4. It shall fonnulate and execute the country's financial,
;rlLiL9'T1'i" it:"Iri:j{9'T1 !CDIf)A ; !itL1\OIJA :1 monetary and foreign investment policies and strategies.
~. foo(..:" t f.,.L1'e rJ11:"'i" f:f'~h ~C{\T hm:J>~~'i" 5. It shall enact laws for the utilization and conservation of
'I'0:J>1 O.,.ooi\h.,. ih.., !CDIf)A :1
land and other natural resources, histortical sites and
objects.
:&. frJ1C'i" fih1l11 foohl\h!'i" f~tJ1~:" h1-'l0-9" f~Y..
; f.ooIrA:1 6. It shall establish and administer national defence and
irA 001..,,,.,:" f;rlLit ~f.A !~Ir~A public security forces as well as a federal police force.
;k 11Ja.Ir«£ 111h1 !it"'~Y:IrA ; 11"11 !:t-OIJA ; f.0
7. It shall administer the National Bank, print and borrow
~IrA : fCD-6f.h~1"~'i" f11"11 ACD-CD-1'1f.~lf)mIrA:: money, mint coins, regulate foreign exchange and money
hAf\oT hCD-it1' ~1~T iti\OIJ.O~~O:" o-~:f' ih..,'i" in circulation; it shall determine by law the conditions and
OOOO~! !CDIf)A :1 tenns under which States can borrow money from..
~. fCD-6f.h"'1j.~:" ;rlLiL 1 f.CDit'i"A ; ;rlLiLCD-1~ !itL internal sources.
1\OIJA ! ~i\~ h+~ it~~H'-"T1 f.'P'PI\A ; !RY::J>A :: 8. It shall fonnulate and implement foreign policy; it shall
y. fhfC: fllftC t fllihC oo~~..,. ; f;rit:f''i'' fi:"'l1,w.~ negotiate and ratify international agreements.
. h. 7i1 h1A..,f\o.y.T h1~tlo-~ o-i\:" CDf.~ ho-i\:" Ol\f. 9. It shall be responsible for the development, administration
and regulation of air, rail, waterways and sea transport
hAf\oT1 fOlJ.!1'i"j. hCD-1r0011f.T1 !it4.4.A ; !it.,.~
and major roads linking two or more States, as well as for
Y:IrA ; f.~lf)mIrA ::
postal and telecommunication services.
i\~Y..Ir~ 001..,,,.,:" O"'(}m-:" f10. ~1~T hAA
I' 10. It shall levy taxes and collect duties on revenue sources
°1'OC'i" ~l'l' f.1'I\A : !it"'~Y:IrA ; f~1..IrA reserved to the Federal Government; it shall draw up,
001.., ".,:,. O~:,. ! l:J>A ; !RY::J>A ; ! it.,.~ Y:irA :1 approve and administer the Federal Government's bud-
Ili' 0-/\:" CDf.~ ho-i\:" Ol\f. frf). hAf\oT1 fOlJ.!it"'"it~ get.
CDf.'}" f.'10C "'7i;J~ frf). CD1t1T'i"rJf.~T1 hm:J>~~ 11. It shall detennine and administer the utilization of the
f.CDit'i"A ! !it"'~Y:IrA :1 waters or rivers and lakes linking two or more States or
OhAf\oT ool1hA fOlJ.~l"'1 f1..,Y: "'1j.~:"'i" fCD-6f.h crossing the boundaries of the national territorial jurisdic-
I~' tion.
1°1Y:1 f.OOIrA ! f.~lf)mIrA II
12. It shall regulate inter-State and foreign commerce.
Ir' O~Yo'"A 001..,,,.,:" 11"11 f.,.**tJD<o h1Y: CDf.~ 13. It shall administer and expand all federally funded
hh1f.' hAA Ol\f. fOlJ.7itt:)' fh1A..,f\o:" .,.*iJOT1 institutions that provide services to two or more States.
!it"'~f.""A : !it4.4.A :: 14. It shall deploy, at the request of a state administration,
I~' hhAA h~~ Ol\f. flr~ fR1':f' oo~tt:lit iLl ;J'I'~ Federal defence forces to arrest a deteriorating security
OhAi\' ooit.,.~y:C '}'!~ oo(}l:" frJ1~-I:1 foohl\h! situation within the requesting State when its authorities
;}f.A .f(}OIJIrA :1 are unable to control it.
15. It shall enact, in order to give practical effect to political
I~' OfLtJ ih1 001..,,,.,:" f.,.l;J1m-:"1 f;ri\-t11 0011.y.T
/\OIJit~.R~ hitLI\'l frf). f;ri\-t11 Y:C~.y.T1 h1-'l0-~ rights provided for in this Constituion, all necessary laws
~C6l>J.1 OOlJ.ooi\h:" ih1T !CDIf)A :1
governing political parties and elections.
16. It has the power to declare and to lift national state of
I:&' OrJ1~'1: Ohm:J>I\f.~ lr~ O"'CD(}). frJ1~-I: htt:f\oT emergency and states of emergencies limited to certain
fhit:f".\f. 'lit htp~ !CD-~A ! h'P~1 !~llA :1 parts of the country.
I'L' fn..,.,.", 'I'!~ f.CDit'i"A :1 17. It shall detemine matters relating to nationality.
I~- fh,~"'t.. 7i1'i" f ;rit7'C'''' ! CD~ rJ1C foo..,o.!'i" foo 18. It shall determine and administer all matters relating to
CD-6l>J.'''~f'T1 : iti\it~"'?fT'i" iti\ ;ri\-t11 'I'1~~:" immigration, the granting of passports, entry into and exit
f.CDit'i"A : f.OOIrA :1 from the coutnry, refugees and asylum.
Ij/- f ~.mlr'i" f f.'C(}:" 00'0.y.T1 f.L~~A ; f.m11:J>A :1 19. It shall patent inventions and protect copyrights.
~. tl1f.' CD'}'fOOi\h.! ~l~9'T'i" f'llt ~ooC !CDIf)A :1 20. It shall establish unifonn standards of measurement and
calendar.
~li' flOC oo.,,~! iti\00!1I ih.., !CDIf)A :1
21. It shall enact laws regulating the possession and bearing of
h1+1\ 2~ anns.
fh AA "., A If) 1'i" .,..., 11C . Article 52
li- Oih1 001..,,,.,-1: i\~1..'"i\' 001..,,,.,:" O.,.i\f. CDf.~ Powers and Functions of States
i\~Yolri\' 001..,,,.,:"'i" i\hAf\oT 0;J1r O..,A1\ !A"'(}m 1. All powers not given expressly to the Federal Government
"., A If) 1 f h A A "., A If) 1 f. rf'i" A :1 alone, or concurrently to the Federal Government and the
States are reserved to the States.
1K' tt ~I.~A .,:M.}- :Jtt,tlJ<liTeh .,,,,1\ It .,., IuIn ~-,..- Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21'I August 1995 - Page 20

I- OltU h"}+:t "}o h"}+:t Ii f+m+ftm- ~"}1.+mO+ If'i' 2. Consistent with sub-Article 1 of this Article, States shall
fh t\t\-:f P' t\ tfJ"}Cj +.., 11C f"7. h + It-"""} 1 m.cJ>t\ 1\t\ ; have the following powers and functions:
,
u) t-"'"} ot-'" ",...+J;1.C"} ~I\'" 11.1.1 ht\I\'e 00"'+
(a) To establish a State administration that best advances
J;.("C 1'P:"t-t\ ; f ih.., fOl\f,~"" fftL ~O..,. l..'fOht-
self-government, a democratic order based on the
ltl'e P'C~"" f,1~11t\ ; f,U"} ih1 00"}"'P''''' rule of law; to protect and defend the Federal
f,m-o.cJ>t\ ; f,hl\hl\t\ ;
Constitution;
it) f~t\t\ ih1 oo"}"'P'''''Cj /bt\-:f ih1:f"} ImtfJt\ ;
L:tD7 t\ ; (b) To enact and execute the State constitution and other
''''
tit) fht\lt-"} fhJ''i''7. . f"7"'Ot-'eCj ft\"7"" 7"l\.lt . laws;
"'''''t-~~Cjb:''.(''lmtfJt\;I'''L:tD7t\; (c) To formulate and execute economic, social and
(0) f~1..t-1t- 00"}"'P''''' 0"7.1mtfJm- ih.., ooftl."" development policies, strategies and plans of the
oo~""Cjf+LT~U-o~"}I"'+J;.("t-t\; State;
IV) it h t\ It- 0 +m ft ~m- f1 It 9'""}1i£"h t\t\ ..,-0 CCj ;J-h...
f,TI\t\ ; f,ftO...I1t\ ; fht\lt-"} 01:"" ImtfJt\ ; (d) To administer land and other natural resources in
,"'L:tD7 t\ ; accordance with Federal laws;
I.) fh t\ It-"} 00'" +J;.("C IVt-+7f:f h... +J;1.CCj f P' t- (e) To levy and collect taxes and duties on revenue
o-).;J-sP:f 0 +00 it h + a..., 1 mtfJt\ ; ,"'L:tD7 t\ ; sources reserved to the States and to draw up and
1f'i9'" ith"}.(" f P' t- 001.-0 f"7.1"'Lt\ 7- f ""9'"UC"'" administer the State budget;
fp't\mCjCj ft\9'".(" ooooH~sP:f hhm.cJ>I\f, fU1~-f:
ooooH~sP:f ;lC f++t-I.~ OOlfCj:fm-") f"7I.;J1T (t) To enact and enforce laws on the State civil service
~I\k~"" f,'iCO;J-t\ II
and their condition of work; in the implementation of
this responsibility it shall ensure that educational;
ft) fht\lt-"} f7"l\.'" ~f,t\ 11.t-"Rt\ ; f,oot-t\ I fht\lt-"}
training and experience requirements for any job,
ftl\9'"Cj K'I';J-I"'m-o.cJ>t\ II
title or position approximate national standards;
(g) To establish and administer a state police force, and
9'"b t-tt. (" ,. to maintain public order and peace within the State;
"'itd..1..t-1t- 00"}..,P''''' 9'"hC fl.-f:f
CHAPTER SIX
h"}+:t ~f THE FEDERAL HOUSES
f ~1..t-t\ oo"}..,P''''' 9'"hC fl.-f:f
Article 53
f ~1..t-1t- oo"}..,P''''' o-it"" 9'"h C fl.-f:f f,'i~;J- t\ ; ~ ~It U9'" The Federal Houses
f ih1l-o +mt}r-:f 9'"hC fl."" ~Cj f ~1..~ 7i"} 9'"hC fl."" Cj:fm- II

There shall be two Federal Houses: The House of Peoples' .

h tt.t\ h"}.(" Representatives and the House of the Federation.

fa. 11-0 +m t}r-:f 9'"hC fl.""
Part One
h"}+:t --
Iii)
fa. 11-0 +mt} r-:f 9'"h C fl."" h 111\"" The House of Peoples' Representatives

Ii- fihll-o +mt}r-:f 9'"hC fl."" hfll\"" ; o-It- h+tt. . ~, . Article 54

+T+~ : ""hht\~ OIf~Cj .("9'"iJ O"7."'TC O"7.ft1'O"" Members of the House of Peoples' Representatives
P'C~"" Ofh9'""''''' ~ooi: Oihll-o f,ool.tfJlt- II
!l- f9'"h C fl.i: h 111\"" 0 h "}.(" f9'"C6l8J.h t\ t\ m-'" T h /bt\-:f 1. Members of the House of Peoples' Representatives shall
+ m J;J; ~ sP:f 00 t} h t\ h -0 1\6l8J..("9'" iJ 111 + m J;J; ~ h i'i CjI.- be elected by the People for a term of five years on the
0"7. If") O'r f9'"C6l8J.P' C~..,. f,oo I. tfJIt- II f + t\ f m-h t\ Cj basis of universal suffrage and by direct, free and fair
Lt\;J:f1f' t\ +-0 t\- f;J-oo ~11:fm- he; l} -0th.1.ftp:f ~ c; elections held by secret ballot.
''''
ih1lP:f 09'"C6l8J. fih1l-f1 +mt}r-:f 9'"hC fl."" hl1t\ 2. Members of the House shall be elected from'candidates in
f,lfc;lt-II 1IC1I~ oa..., f,mftc;t\ II each electoral district by a plurality of the votes cast.
r- f9'"hC fl.i: hl11\"" ckTC f ih1l-o -o.,..,."}c; ot\ ~ ""'-"'1.""
Provisions shall be made by law for special representation
m-ht\c; f"7.fttfJ:fm- hc;l} -f1th.l.ftP:fc; ihllP:f"} ckTC for minority Nationalities and Peoples.
ooftl."" 0"7.("1..., h~f~ f"7f,Ot\T If'i hH.U m-"'1' hc;l} 3. Members of the House, on the basis of population and
-f1th.l.ftP:f h~ f"71"}'" 00+006l8J. f,'it-TIf't\ II 1IC1I~ special representation of minority Nationalities and
Oa..., f,1. ~1;Jt\ II Peoples, shall not exceed 550; of these, minority
Nationalities and Peoples shall have at least 20 seats.
Particulars shall be determined by law.
1K" ~li A..~Ir/.\ ~;M-r ;m.fIJ -h'l'C li ~mf1. I?; +, Iitfn 'i.9'". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 21

~. frhc 0.-1: "111\"" fool\~ ~1Ii1 "'CDt}f'T Cf':f~ :: 4. Members of the House are representatives of the
"'1V'1 ;J-:f~r ; Ethiopian People as a whole. They are governed by:
V) /\~1 oo'}"'P-I: ; (a) The Constitution;
/\) /\~1f~; 'hCf' (b) The will of the people; and
dt) /\~/\. Cf':f~
(c) Their Conscience.
i1;F ~1fCf'A ::
~. D'/'}~~r frhc 0.-1:"IlA Orhc 0.-1:~it1' W'7J'tm~ 5. No member of the House may be prosecuted on account of
f:riJ CD'f,r "it.,. If"" rh'} ,,,,, "~h(}itr:: "it.,.~1.t.'e any vote he casts or opinion he expresses in the House, nor
'hCr)fr "~CD(}f:O""r :: shall any administrative action be taken against any
}. D'/'}~~r frhc 0.-1: "IlA hllf: CD'}1:A f1.L1\lJO 'h:P: member on such grounds.
hij;'}:P: t}A.,. Oit.,..,.C 1/\ lJOhC 0.-1: L~ f: "~/lIlJO ; 6. No member of the House may be arrested or prosecuted
'"
OCD'}1:AlJO"~h(}itr :: without the permission of the House except in the case of
~. D'/,}~~lJO flJOhC 0.-1: "IlA foo~m~ ~1Ii1 "00~;J- flagrante delicto
11lfJ0"" 'lit o~.., oo(}~"" hlJOhC 0."" "11A '1-1:~CD1~A:: 7. A member of the House may, in accordance with law, lose
his mandate of representation upon loss of confidence by
,}"'1\ -......
'11: the electorate.
"
f ~1Ii1 "'CDt}f'T lJOhC 0."" PAlfJ'}Cf' .,...,IlC
Article 55
Powers and Functions of the House of Peoples'
li' f ~1Ii1 "'CDt}f'T rhc 0."" OttO ~1 oo'}"'P"" oo(}~""
/\~Y..t./\. oo'}"'P"" O"'(}m~ f PAlfJ'} hAA ~'ff'}
Representatives
ICDlfJA :: 1. The House of Peoples' Representatives spall have the
~. OttO ",}"'1\ '}o-it ",}"'1\ li f",oo/\h"'~ "m~"~ power of legislation in all matters assigned by this
f:'};J1. 'h'}1."'mO.,. If'i f f~lIi1 "'CDt}f'T lJOhC 0."" Constitution to Federal jurisdiction.
OOlJ.h.,.,,''''' ~~f'T ,,~ lICllC ~.., ICDlfJA ; 2. Consistent with the provision of sub-Article 1 of this
V) foo/o""Cf' f.,.L1'C' Vi1"" ; 'h'}Jtv-lJO f:'} oc "'i'f;J~ Article, the House of Peoples' Representatives shall enact
CD~r h",}f: hAA O,,~ fOlJ.J'it.,.ltit-r CD'}Jf"fCf' specific laws on the following matters:
V~.f.T "m~.,.r'} O.,.oo/\h.,. ; (a) Utilization of land and other natural resources, of
/\) OhA""T oot}hA
fOlJ.'i ~~'} f'}..,f: A~~1' : rivers and lakes crossing the boundaries of the
'h'}Jt v-lJOf ~6J.h '}..,f: ..,'}1- 'I"",} 0"'00 /\ h.,. ; national territorial jurisdiction or linking two or more
dt) f"fC: fll~CCf' fll~C oo~~..,.; f7it;J-Cf' f-f;t\.1'100- States;
..,.
~ h. 'ii '} "1 A.., "".y. T'} 'h '} Jt v-lJO v-/\..,. CD~lJO h v-/\
(b) Inter-State commerce and foreign trade;
O,,~ hA""T'} fOlJ./1Cf'1- "~t. 00'}1f.T'} 0"'00
/\h.,. ;
(c) Air, rail, water and sea transport, major roads linking
00) OttO ~1 oo'}"'P"" f"'1.'11~""'} f7/\i:t} 00i1.y."f
two or more States, postal and telecommunication
serVIces;
"L?tRlJO,} 'h'}Jtv-lJO lJOC6bJ,.'}O.,.oo/\h.,. ;
IP) fit °1'1"" 00i1""'} ; fi\.r..,t.."ii'} ; f ;rit7C""'} ; CD1.
(d) Enforcement of the political rights established by the
V1C f(1D",o./Cf' foo~6bJ,. ~~f'"f'} 'h'}Jtv-lJO fit1..,. Constitution and electoral laws and procedures;
"i'fTCf' f7/\i:t} 1'1~'1"" ~~f'"f'} O.,.oo/\h.,. ; (e) Nationality, immigration, passport, exit from and
~) "'}f: CD1' foom'} 00/\h.1 1.~)fCf' f'llt .,.ooC'} entry into the country, the rights of refugees and of
o.,.oo/\h.,. ; asylum;
(1) f Lmt.Cf' f P'11'Oi1 ooi1.y.T'} o.,.oo/\h.,. ; (f) Uniform standards of measurement and calendar;
i'i) f(OC oo"'~1 00 11I,} O.,.oo/\h.,. ::
(g) Patents and copyrights;
. f' flPt."'~ ~~~ ~.., J'CDlfJA ::
(h) The possession and bearing of arms.
~. f'}"'f:~'" (1'1f:) ICDlfJA ::
~. fCD'}1:/\~ 00:"6bJ,.~.., ICDlfJA :: ~O 'h'}1."'mO.,. If'i 3. It shall enact a labour code.
h A"" T 0 ~Y..t.t\o oo"'}.., P"" f CD'}1: /\ ~ oo:"6bJ,. ~.., 4. It shall enact a commercial code.
O..,A1\ IlA"'i'iL~ ~~f'T ,,~ ~.., fD'/~lfJ"" PAlfJ'}
5. It shall enact a penal code. The States may, however,
~'i t.:flf' A :: enact penal laws on matters that are not specifically
}. "'}f: fi\.1'1'iOlJ. D'/"'O~(}i1,} /\ooij;mC f1.IlA O~Y..t.A
covered by Federal penal legislation.
oo'}..,p..,. ~.., 'h'}JtCDlfJ":f~ fOlJ.J'it1f:P" /\oorrCf':f~
6. It shall enact civil laws which the House of the Federation
o~Y..I.:ii~ lJOhC 0.'''' f;J-OO'1Il:f~ f~""dti1dt.C
deems necessary to establish and sustain one economic
~o)T'} ICDlfJA ::
community.
 ~.,... Federal NegaritGazeta-No.1 21" August 1995-Page22
1K"~~ ~1.t.A ~;J6+ ;'J1i"l "''I'C li M,I\. Ili .", Ijifft

j j
7. It shall detennine the organization of national defence,
f4..1.6-A OD1"1P':" f1J1C'I fih1,..1 ODMI11
1.' public security, and a national police force. If the conduct
f1.tJ1~H" fl"l\.it :'>f..A "U.:O::"1 f..mit'lA" 11P'6-
of these forces infringes upon human rights and the
"L~~"7:f1D- 1.11: f"'l.;t"~ ODavl.;t"'£ ftL-)':f1 Ml~'£
nation's security, it shall carry out investigations and take
OD11""':f'l f1J1C1 1.U1H f"'l.H1< ~f"':f 1\.111\-1: necessary measures.
j
IffJ6-A MLI\1. >'C9"~9'':f >'1Jlmc'l~ 11.C;1A
"8. In confonnity with Article 93 of the Constitution it shall
:to 11"1+;t:le l1"'ODI\I1"'1D-ODc'Il:" fM=f'>.f.. 1.tL '-'I')':
j declare a state of emergency; it shall consider and resolve
IID-~A fih"l "itL~"'l.1D- f"'l.fmffJlD-1 f"it=f'>.f..1.tL
on a decree of a state of emergency declared by the
"'P)': "'ODAh"" f..mit'l A " executive.
i!' f"'l.tit:"C'':f 9"hC 11:" 11"'l.!+C11I\:" fih"l I.t:"
9. On the basis of a draft law submitted to it by the Council of
ODc'll.:" fp1C~:" "'P)': IID-~A
"I f"7"1I16-'£ I fA"7:" Ministers it shall proclaim a state of war.
I' fIJ1~-I:1 "m'+l\.f. fh.tt'i"'l.
j f4..f..'I1it'l f11"11 10. It shall approve general policies and strategies of
1"1\.1\.9'':f1'1 it:"6-1::(9'':f1
j j f11th.6-'£ 111h "it.,..1\ economic, social and development, and fiscal and
1"1\.1\.1 1~1:""A 11"111
1.C1; flD-"1" MIf~1'1 AID-ID-'I'1 11"'001\11'" 1IC1IC monetary policy of the country. It shall. enact laws on
matters relating to the local currency, the administration
ih"l ImffJA
" hAA of the National Bank, and foreign exchange.
Hi' 1\4..1.6-A 001"1P':" 11.,.11I\1\1D-f111. 9"1"1"
"I11C'I ;t"tJit f..'I'I\A
"
f 4..1.6-A OD1"1P':" 11:( t
II. It shall levy taxes and duties on revenue sources reserved
to the Federal Government, it shall ratify the Federal
1~1:'+A
"
fih"l "itL~"'l.1D- "ilA f"'l.'P'P1\:f1D-1 ~1\9" ""'<j:
budget.
I!!'
it9"9"~""':f 1~1:'+A 12. It shall ratify international agreements concluded by the
f 4..1.6-A OD1"1P':"
"
<j:C1: 11:" .I\~':f1 ; f"'l.tit:"C'':f Executive.
Ie' j ftt"'l.1i~C'':f1 j f'P'I1D- t.Jl"'C1
9"hc 11:" MI\:"1 13. It shall approve the appointment of Federal judges,
>.1-'l.11-9" fl\.I\-':f jfOD;t":f1D- l19"tJC 11-1: oo;t1.:" members of the Council of Minsiters, commissioners, the
11\11:"1 I1I\P'AffJ'i':f jfOD:" 1~1:.+A Auditor General, and of other officials whose appoint-
"
j P'AffJ1'1 ment is required by law to be approved by it.
Ii!' fc'l11~'£ OD11""':ftt"'l.1I1 19:...,A "'''I11~1
l1ih"l f..mit'lA 14. It shall establish a Human Rights Commission and
" j .,.9:ou-1 f"'l.OD~
Il;' fih1f11 >'111 milt .,.9:M 19:...,A determine by law its powers and functions.
"111\:"1 f..ODCffJA I f..c'lf.."7A " P'AffJ1'1 "'''I11~1 15. It shall establish the institution of the Ombudsman, and
l1ih"l f..mit'lA select and appoint its members. It shall deermine by law
"
n;. 11"71;;'ID-9" tJAA c'l1I~'£ 0011""':f I\.ffJl\-' hAi\- the powers and functions of the institution.
j
1:C1.-I:1 "7409" "f..':fA I\."'C 116-1\-M"1IH'I 11\ 16. It shall, on its own initiative, request a joint session of the
hAi\- L.+ 1: "'111.1D- >'C9"~ >'1Jlmc'l1: 1\4..1.~ 11~ House of the Federation and of the House of Peoples'
9"hC 11:"'1 l\ih1f11 .,.milr-':f 9"tJC 11:" f;16- it11M Representatives to take appropriate measures when State
; 11.,.1.l.c'In:" ID-l!):.ooltl.:"l\hAi\- 9"tJC authorities are unable to arrest violations of human rights
'1'14: ,"'CI1A
11:" ODOD ~ 1 f..lt ffJA within their jurisdiction. It shall, on the basis of the joint
"
I?' 9"hC 11-1: m:"l\f.. "'l.tit:"~1 >''1 l\.I\-':f f4..1.6-i\- decision of the House, give directives to the concerned
OD1"1P':" I1I\P'AffJ'I:"1 it 'I' 14: fOD'I'6-:"' fih"l State authorities.
"hL~"'l.1D-1 "ilA "av6-C fODODCODCP'A,q1 "itlD-" 17. It has the power to call and to question the Prime Minister
I:t. itih"l "itL~"'l.1D- "ilA 11"'c'lm "71;;'1D-9" P'AffJ11\f.. and other Federal officials and to investigate the Ex-
f9"hc 11-1:"111\:" 11"11: Y'it.,.;;, 1:9"6 I\.mf..4: 9"tJC ecutive's conduct and discharge of its responsibilities.
11-1: .f.mlIA 9"hC 11-1: 11~~ I\,P, fODODill1c'I 18. It shall, at the request of one-third of its members, discuss
"
"itLI\1. ODitl\- f;t"flD-1 >'C9"~ foolD-c'l1: P'AffJ1 any matter pertaining to the powers of the executive. It
"it ID- has, in such cases, the power to take decisions or
"
Ii!' 9"tJc 11-1:1 f"'l.OD~ "L "'11'\.' 9"h:"A "L .,.11'\. measures it deems necessary.
.f.ODCffJA j it9"hC 11-1: P'6- f"'l.lhLA"':"1 9:"'l.' 19. It shall elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the
1./LI'£ tt"'l.1:9'':f I'P:"/",A House. It shall establish standing and ad hoc committees
"
as it deems necessary to accomplish its work.
"1.,.;t I/i
'Article 56
fl"lti:il P'AffJ1
Political Power

l19"hC 11-1: "111\""'1. OD"'ODAj, 111 f I"lti:il 1:C)'::" mf..9" A political party, or a coalition of political parties that has the
ffJ9"6- 1:C~"'':f f4..1.6-i\-1 001"1P':" fih"l "hL~"'l. "ilA greatest number of seats in the House of Peoples' Represen-
11.6-'JfAII1.6-'Jff\o ; .f.OD6-A/f..OD6-i\- I tatives shall form the Executive and lead it.
"
1A" 3'1: IJ.&-IA ~:M:t- ,;Jlt.tlJ .'I'C Ii ~"'c\.!?;"" !iifft ".,.. Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 2111August 1995 - Page 23

~ 'J'" Jt !lj Article 57

lll\ ih.., M~-'C1."" Adoption of Laws
Laws deliberated upon and passed by the House shall be
9'"tlC 0.-1: oPtiC' f.,.1l0l/070T ih.., I\V1~-I: T~fl-'C'JT I\A,c-7 submitted to the Nation's President for signature. The
f,"'Cf1A ; T~fl-'C'J-I: O~Ft. ~9'"llT +'iT m-ll-r f,Lc-7A II President shall sign a law submitted to him within fifteen
T ~fl-'C'J-I: O~F t. ~9'"llT +'iT m-ll-r '1ALloP ih1- OFt. days. If the President does not sign the law within fifteen days
I\f, f,m-I\A II it shall take effect without his signature.
Article 58
~'J+Jt ~:t
Meetings of the House, Duration of its Term
f9'"tJC 0.-1:lli1ftf1'i f F t. HoP'J
1. The presence of more than half of the members of the
li' h9'"tJc 0.-1: ~f1I\T h..,0I/7i Ol\f, h"'1J. 9'"AI}'" 1-f1't
House constitutes a quorum.
f,tf t.A II 2. The annual session of the House shall begin on Monday of
§. f9'"tJC 0.-1: fFt. 1.tI. hoPllhl9'" wC foPQJ.li'flt9'"'JT the final week of the Ethiopian month of Meskerem and
ft"lf "llh ft~ lPl\lt ~m- ; OoP'1hl\-9'" 9'"tJC 0.-1: O"7.wll~m- end on the 30th day of the Ethiopian month of Sene. The
1.tI. f~'J'(- wC bltt:T f,lillfA II House may adjourn for one month of recess during its
(. f ih1li1 ",w'1f-'f 9'"tJC o.T f"7.oPlmm- 1\~9'"llT annual session.
l}oP:t'T ~m- ; f F t. HoP). hOl/i1:J>-I:h~ 'J.(- wC OLT 3. The House of Peoples' Representatives shall be elected for
~Jtll 9'"C6l>A .,. '1th.Jl.. f,m 'I' + :J>A II a term of five years. Elections for a new House shall be
!!. 9'"tJC 0.-1: bltt:T I\f, 0 "7.(f'J OT 1.tI. f9'"tJC 0.-1: ~L 1-f1't concluded one month prior to the expiry of the House's
lli1ftf1 lLmt. f,'fI\A II h9'"tJC 0.-1: ~f1I\T h..,0I/7i Ol\f, term.
lli1ftq "'JJtmt. hmf<k ~L 1-f1'tm- lli1ftf1 foP'I't.T 4. The Speaker of the House may call a meeting of the House
"'Y..:t' ~I\OT II when it is in recess. The Speaker of the House is also
?;- f ih1li1 ",w'1f-'f 9'"tJC o.T lli1ftf19''f O"lAJt f,'1th.-'Ct\-; obliged to call a meeeting of the House at the request of
(fli9'" 09'"tJC 0.-1: ~ql\T Wf,9'" Ot..Y..t.A f ih"l ~llL~"7. more than one-half of the members.
~'1A 01l"l lli1ftf1 "'JJt1.l"l h"'mf+'i h9'"tJC 0.-1: 5. Meetings of the House shall be public. The House may,
~f1I\T h"l0l/7i Ol\f, h1.1~T 1I"l lli1ftf1lL1.l"l f,'fI\A II however, hold a closed meeting at the request of the
Executive or members of the House if such a request is
~'J+?i ~u supported by a decision of more than one-half of the
f9'"tJC 0.-1: m-lt~9''f'i fF~ FCI}T 1.'Jf1'f members of the House.
li-OfltJ ih1 oP'J"lFT O"lA?i 0.,.1\f, '1A.,.1. ~11 Oll.,.+C Article 59
OI/'iTm-9'" m-lt~9''f f"7. "'I\I\~T 09'"tJC 0.-1: ~f1I\T
Decisions and Rules of Procedure of the House
f~i1I\6l>A'(-9'"iJ ~m- II
§- 9'"tJC 0.-1: lll\ ~lPt.~'i lll\ ih"l ~wlIJm- th.1.T 1.'Jf1'f1 1. Unless otherwise provided in the Constitution, all
IWIIJA II decisions of the House shall be by a majority vote of the
members present and voting.
~1+?i oj: 2. The House shall adopt rules and procedures regarding the
- organization of its work and of its legislative process.
1l1\9'"tJc 0.-1: oPO.,.1

li' m""l\f, "7.~llT~ fFAIIJ1 HoP). hOl/I\<k OLT ~Jtll

9'"C6l>A1\0I/'1th..(- 09'"tJC 0.-1: L:J>.(- 9'"tJ C 0.-1: Article 60
"1 Jt 0.,.1
1\01/.(-l.., f,'fI\A II Dissolution of the House
~- 01lJ9'"t. foP1..,FT FAIIJ'J fl~ f7'I\1:'1 .(-C:E-+'f 1. With the consent of the House, the Prime Minister may
1
1IJ9'"t.~:t'Tm- LCi" 09'"tJC 0.-1: f~0t.Tm-1 ~i1I\6l>A~T cause the dissolution of the House before the expiry of its
1m- "11.(f~ f"7.~llTC''f 9'"tJc o.T "'OTli Oih1li1 term in order to hold new elections.
.,.w '1f-'f 9'"tJC 0. T f1l\- f 7' 1\1: '1 .(-c:E-+ 'f "-1\ IIJ 2. The President may invite political parties to form a
9'"t.
oP1"lFT 0~1'(- lt9'"1T 1.tI. m-ll'l' l\oPoPlllT coalition government within one week, if the Council of
"'JJt:FA T/ofl-'C1-1: f7'I\1:'1 .(-C:E-+'f1 f,;Ji1tfA II Ministers of a previous coalition is dissolved because of
f 7'1\1:'1 .(-C:E--Hi ~Jtll oP1..,FT l\oPCj;mC Wf,9'" the loss of its majority in the House. The House shall be
f~Olm-111J9'"t.~T l\oP+mA '1A:Ft\- 9'"tJc 0.-1: "'OTli dissolved and new elections shall be held if the political
~Jtll 9'"C6l>A f,1.l;JA II parties cannot agree to the continuation of the previous
r- OfltJ ~1+?i 1o-it ~'J+7\ li Wf,9'" ~ oPftlT 9'"tJc 0.-1: coalition or to form a new majority coalition.
f"'O"'~ "11.(f~ hll'(-llT wc f1AOl\m 1.tI. m-ll'l' ~Jtll 3. If the House is dissolved pursuant to sub-Article 1 or 2 of
9'"C6l>AoP1.l"l ~I\OT II this Article, new elections shall be held within six months
!!. 9'"C6l>Am- 0.,. m of its dissolution.
'1''''+ 0 lP 1\It +'1' T m-ll 'I' ~Jt (). f,"h 11i1
",w'1f-'f 9'"tJc o.T Ft.m-1 f,"f.9'"t.A II 4. The new House shall convene within thirty days of the
conclusion of the elections.
'lK" t)'!! t..Y-ot.&\ ~;M:" ;JltfIJ <h1'C li ~"'{), I?; 4>1 liifn 'HI". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 24

~. f Ch1Hl +OJttf"~ ~hC 0.:" h+O+~ 0:\"\ U1~i:,} 5. Following the dissolution of the House, the previous
ftPJ.oo t-CD- P' A II)'} f,tI f ~ 0 l CD-f r t\ -t tt .("C~:,. OJf,'J" governing party or coalition of parties shall continue as a
f r t\-t tt .("C~.f~ II)'J"II" f" t\:,. +tM:" f oo'}"lP':" caretaker government. Beyond conducting the day to day
P't- hOl/hCjOJ'}Cj ~C6l>J. hOl/ttth..(" 0 il +.,.C hJtil affairs of government and organizing new elections, it
h l' }!~'} .. f.'} f1~'} Cj .("') ;J1.S"~,} 01/CD-II):" OJf,'J" ~ t}C may not enact new proclamations, regulations or decrees,
Ch1~,} oo7icCj "77i7iA hf,~A'J" :: nor may it repeal or amend any existing law.

PART TWO
hlf:A u-t\:" THE HOUSE OF THE FEDERATION
f ~1ot..1i'} 'J"hc 0.:"
Article 61
h '}.,.'" j;b Members of the House of the Federation
f ~Y..t..1i'} ~hC 0.:" ht}"\:" 1. The House of the Federation is composed of represen-
tatives of Nations, Nationalities and Peoples.
Ii' f ~1ot..1i'} 'J"hc 0.:" 0~1ot-lt- oo'}olP':" ht}A hAt\<>~ 2. Each Nation, Nationality and People shall be represented
ffll/.1'y..:,. -0th.C'~ .. -Oth.l{tf1~ .. Ch11f1~ ffll/. A h-1':f CD-
in the House of the Federation by at least one member.
hl1"\:" f"7.OJhlt-O:" ~hc 0.:" ~CD-:: Each Nation or Nationality shall be represented by one
~. ~!,}J;,}~ -Oth.C" -Oth.l{t-O" Ch1'-0 o.!'}il h'}.(" +OJttf, additional representative for each one million of its
f,til1'A -: O+'IJ.OI/~~ f-Oth.C OJf,'J" l1th.l{to- h'}.(" population.
OI/.t\.V',}. Ch1111 h'}Y: -hlJ."7~ OJh.A f,c:'l1'A :: 3. Members of the House of the Federation shall be elected
f' f &..Yut..1i'} 'J"hC 0.'''' t,t}"\:" OhAA 'J"hc o..f~ f,ool by the State Councils. The State Councils may them-
fill\:' ; fhAA 'J"hC o..y,'f 0 II' t't:f CD-OJf,'J" 0.,.1';1' OCh1111 selves elect representatives to the House of the
h,} Jt 00 lm. 001/.(" lOI f ~Y..t..1i ') 'J"h Co.:" h t}A h,} Jt Federation, or they may hold elections to have the
OJhA !Y.C;Jlt- :: representatives elected by the people directly.

t, '} "'?t' ~~ Article 62

f&..Yot..'li.,.
~he o.-}P'AflnCj -f'°It}C Powers and Functions of the House of the Federation
1. The House has the power to interpret the Constitution.
Ii. ~hC 0.": Ch1 oo'}olP'i:,} foo+C1'J" P'AII)'} f,c:'l1'A::
2. It shall organize the Council of Constitutional Inquiry.
~. fCh1 oo'}olP':" 1'J;v.:f hfll~ 1,t}'t'} !1.t-~A ::
3. It shall, in accordance with the Constitution, decide on
f' f-Oth.C'1': -Oth.l{tf1~ : Ch11f1~f t-il,} iJY.:A Ot-il fooOJ{t'}
issues relating to the rights of Nations, Nationalities and
hilh oo1'}mA ool1'-"'} O-f'oot\h+ 0tPJ.~(}-1'!1:S""f "\f,
Peoples to self-determination, including the right to
OCh1 OO'}OIP'i: oo{tl-'" f,OJilCjA ::
seceSSIOn.
2' OCh1OO'}OIP'i: f+Y."-l1CD- fCh11f1"fhh-A.,:"Cj OChllf1"f
OO&..<p.,..r:"\f, f+oo{tl-" h'}Y..''':'' ile h'}Jt{tY..'Cj h'}Jt 4. It shall promote the equality of the Peoples of Ethiopia
J;-OC !_r,e;JA :: enshrined in the Constitution and promote and con-
solidate their unity based on their mutual consent.
~. h Ch1111 of' OJtt V'1' 'J"h e 0. -.,. ;J e 0 II)
'J" II' f + {tm.:"'}
P'AII)'t-}', !hCjCD-CjA :: 5. It shall exercise the powers concurrently entrusted to it
~. 0 h At\u'-}". oott h A t\ 01/.., {t. ht\ 00°1 t}t}.y."f oolj;:"~ and to the House of Peoples' Representatives.
f,&.A;JA:: 6. It shall strive to find solutions to disputes or misunderstan-
%. fhAt\.."fc,' f&..Yu/rll' oo'}olP"'" f ;Jlr -f'11t\CD- f+OOY.O' dings that may arise between States.
10.S"1' nu-t\i: ootthA ftPJ.hct.&.I\:.n:,.'} ; h'}Jtu-'J" 7. It shall determine the division of revenues derived from
f&...ro/rll' oo,}"lP"'" t\hAt\.."f y"'''''01/ fOl/.{tl'n:"'} "'ooC joint Federal and State tax sources and the subsidies that
f,OJilCjA :: the Federal Government may provide to the States.
~. nChll11 -"OJttv'"f ~he n.-} Chol t\.OJII)"\:fCD- fOl/.1n' 8. It shall determine civil matters which require the
fC'::"ch-nth.C -,.J;v'"f'} f,ll! A :: enactment of laws by the House of Peoples' Represen-
ii' OI/'}~CD-'J" hAA f,tJ'} Ch1 oo'}olP''-'' noofllil Ch1 tatives.
oo'}olP' ;J.'P. P'C'H:'}t,.r,;J "\f, ffl}t\ h,} Y,lf" f &..Y..t-I\:' 9. It shall order Federal intervention if any State, in violation
oo'}olp':" filA:" h'}Jt-"1 _filA :: of this Constitution, endangers the constitutional order.
I' f'J"he o.-r:'} f1.t\!f.. 'J:OI/.c.' 1.tJ.!'P. \-101/.-t'S""f !'J:<kOl/A:: 10. It shall establish permanent and ad hoc committees.
Hi' 'J"hc 0.'1: f Ir{t.'} h&:J-I}'tCj 'J"h:"A h&:,.t}'t f,OOCflJA=
11. It shall elect the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the
f 11"{t.'} f P' II' h&.?t?t'J"Cj fCD-ill' hil+J;1.C 1. ,}11
House, and it shall adopt rules of procedure and internal
,fOJflJA::
administration.
1~ t)?i A..f..t.l\ ";J~'''' ;J,LIfJ <h'l'C?! ",hlt I?i .,.') Ii/1ft <}.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No. I 21" August 1995 - Page 25

i\'}~1\ :Sf Article 63

f ~Y..t.. 7i'} 9"h c o..}- i\ 11I\.}- oPlI.}- Immunity of Members of the House of the Federation
I. No member of the House of the Federation may be
ji. Of/'}~m-9" f~Y..t.. 7i~ 9"hC o..}- i\IlA OOf/liTm-9" f9"hC prosecuted on account of any vote he casts or opinion he
o.i: illl(a1l I\f. OOf/.(amm- i\ilT !f.}- lDf.9" Y:9"iJ expresses in the House, nor shall any administrative
9"tI'}!.}- i\f.h(ail9" : i\ilT~f.t-1f hC9"~9" i\f.lD(af.: action be taken against any member on such grounds.
0 ..,.9" :: 2. No member of the House of the Federation may be
I' Of/'}~m-9" f~Y..t..'ii~. 9"hC o..}- i\IlA hllY: lD,}~A arrested or prosecuted without the permission of the
(&.&.1\9" h~ htt:,)~ House except in the case of flagrante delicto.
ilA-"!tI OilT~C !Il 9"hC o.i:
&.:PY: i\f.!1'9" : OlD'}:€,A9"i\f.h(ail9" ::
Article 64
)','}~1, XO Decisions and Rules of Procedure
- r"
I. The presence at a meeting of two-thirds of the members of
m-l));SJ':fli f P'~ P'Cq..,. f.'}{l:-''',
the House of the Federation constitutes a quorum. All
decisions of the House require the approval of a majority
j!. f~Y..t..'ii~ 9"hc 0..1. 9"AqT -,.Ill}. flPf..cfl.m- hhlll\i: of members present and voting.
v-Il'''' Y'ilT~m- f-"1')"" h,}f.lf~ ~lD- :: lPfliTlD-9" m-l));
2. Members of the House may vote only when they are
fOf/.!A&.m- illl(a1l I\f. h-"1'f..}- f9"tlc 0.-1: i\1ll\.}-
present in person in the House.
hCJ1Of/7iOl\f. Y:9"iJ (&.f."c~,o;F ~m- ::

I' i\1ll\'''' f.:9"iJ oPilm""" fOf/.:}'''Il'.}- Oi\ilA (&.1'-;' ,O;F ~lD- ::

Article 65
i\,}~1\ ~~ Budget
illl O:€.
...,,, The House of the Federation shall submit its budget for
approval to the House of Peoples' Representatives.
f~Yot..'ii~" 9"tlC 0.""" O:€.'I:') llih1"O -'''lDilf'':f 9"hC 0.''''
OOf/:"I.'O ,fillDilliA :: Article 66
Powers of the Speaker of the House
i\,}~1\ ~?;
1. The Speaker of the House of the Federation shall preside
f9"hC 0.": i\&. ""Ill}. P'Afl}'} over the meetings of the House.
2. He shall, on behalf of the House, direct all its adminis-
{i. f~Y..t..'ii~" 9"hC 0.'1- i\&. "-Ill}. f9"hc o.'l:'} illl(aIlSJ':f trative affairs.
f.oP I,.A ::
3. He shall enforce all disciplinary actions the House takes
I' 9"hc o.'l:'} OaPlDhA m:"I\I\ f i\ilT~f-C P't-SJ':f'}
f.oPI,.A :: on its members.
c. 9"hC 0.'1: Oi\llflo:t: I\f. flD(a~m-'} f"tilTIl. '} hC9"~
!il&.1\Of/A :: Article 67
Sessions and Term of Mandate
i\ '}~ 1, xi ~
1. The House of the Federation shall hold at least two
r"

illl(allli fP't- tloP'} sessions annually.

2. The term of mandate of the House of the Federation shall
{i. f ~Y..t..'ii~" 9"tlC o..}- O.!,}il OqoP.}- v-Il.}- 'Uf. f.(aO(aIlA :: be five years.
qoP.}- f.lfliA::
I' f~Y..t..'ii~. 9"hC o..}- f P'I,. tloP'} i\9"il"'"
Article 68
)', '} ~ 1\ :J;':j;
Prohibition of Simultaneous Membership in the
Ov-Il'f:9" 9°tlC o..y.i- i\IlA aPlf'} flPff.;FA illloPlf~ Two Houses
lPf'}~lD-9" (am- Oi\'}.\': 'In fih1fll TlDilf":f 9"hC o..}- hli No one may be a member of the House of Peoples'
Representatives and Qf the House of the Federation simul-
f ~Y..t.. 7i~ 9"hC 0.'''' i\IlA Il.lf,} i\f.:fA9" ::
taneously.
1K' ?!1i A..1..t./A ~:J&.}- ;Jfl.fIJ -h'l'C Ii ~dtl\!li"" ruIn ,.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta- No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 26

cr /J (,.r;: (aIl:" CHAPTER SEVEN

ill\ &Till\. b- T ~Il.';,}:" THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

h ') + 1\ :J:U Article 69

ill\ T ~Il.';,}i: The President
The President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
T~Il.';,}i: f~:"f"kf 4..1..("I\Cf1..lfOh(,.l1.fCf&Till\.h CiJ(a is the Head of State.
ildt.C ~ID- ::
Article 70
h'}+1\ ~ Nomination and Appointment of the President
1. The House of Peoples' Representatives shall nominate the
fT ~Il.';,}i: h(affcr
candidate for President.
2. The nominee shall be elected President if ajoint session of
Ii' I\T~Il.';'}:"~:" hat fOl/:"lil FAtlJ'} fJt1lil "'lDilf"T the House of Peoples' Representatives and the House of
crhc 0.:" ~ID- .
==
the Federation approves his candidacy by a two-thirds
I' f+lOID- hat OJt1lil "'lDilf"T crhc 0.:"C; 04..1..~ 7i~
majority vote.
9"hC 0.:" f;J(,. ilil(all OU-I\:" YOil.,.;;: Y:9"iJ h"'~1L
3. A member of either House shall vacate his seat if elected
T loll.';'}:" f,1YC;A ::
President.
r' f9"hC 0.:" hilA T ~Il.';'}:" lYe:' h"'ODlm f"'lDhI\O:"'} 4. The term of office of the President shall be six years. No
crhc 0.:" lD'}OCf,1\:PA :1
person shall be elected President for more than two terms.
g. fTloll.';,}i: fF(,. HOD'}ilY:il:" ~OD:" f,1YC;A :: tt'}Y:
5. Upon his election in accordance with sub-Article 2 of this
(aID-hu-I\:"1.1t Ol\f, I\T ~1l.';'}:"~:"I\.ODl1' hf,TA9"I:
Article, the President, before commencing his respon-
~. f&Till\.b- T~Il.';1:" 9"C6L1OlltJ tt1+1\ 10-il tt1+1\ 1 sibility, shall, at a time the joint session of the Houses
OD(al:" hR~+ O~I\ F(,.ID-') hODJ:OD-t- Ok:" f;1(,. determines, present himself before it and shall make a'
illl (aIl ID- 0 "7.lD il ~ID- 'lit ilil (aIl ID- k:" I\Jt 1 OD') "l F i:C; declaration of loyalty to the Constitution and the Peoples
I\h. :"f"k f Jt 11{1T f 1\1D-1 :J-1~ ~:,. 0 tIIJ.+1'~:" :PI\:" of Ethiopia in the following words:
f,1A1aA I: "I , when on this date commence my responsibility as
ultA fl'l~~
/JilT f/v'i'r-kf 6..f..?t)f! President of the Federal Democratic Republic of
f..'I"h?l1.ff! t:T'fM.h T~fI.J;1T flootr1 ~?~1 Ethiopia, pledge to carry out faithfully the high respon-
Ifp:rc f".",II'fI=f1 h~"';;: ?t)tl.~T fl;PD?=f~T llOO6.1fr sibility entrusted to me. "
~A lt1lJllu- ::17
Article 71
Powers and Functions of the President
h1+1\ ~jj
1. He shall open the joint session of the House of Peoples'
fT ~1l.';1i: FA tlJ1C; "'''lllC Representatives and the House of the Federation at the
commencement of their annual sessions.
Ii' fJt1lil "'lDilf"T1 9"hC 0.:"C; ft..1..~7i~1 9"hC 0.:" 2. He shall proclaim in the Negarit Gazeta laws and
~OD;J-Cf f;J(,. ilil(all
== f,hr;:;J-A international agreements approved by the' House of
I' OlltJ Jt1 OD1"lF:" OD(al:" f Jt1lil "'lDilf"T 9"hC 0.:" Peoples' Representatives in accordance with the Cons-
fR~:PTID-1 Jt1TC; ~I\cr h+lf: il9"cr~.y.T 0~;1&:" titution.
;JH.tlJ flD-~ A :1 3. He shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister,
r. U1&:I;1 OID-6f!'U1l":T ftllJ.lDh~:"1 h9"lllt~l"::f!i" lbl\-T appoint ambassadors and other envoys to represent the
ODAiJh"'~T Om:"I\f, "7.~il:"-t- h:"(,.o.~:" f,"{iOl/AII country abroad.
g. flD-6f!' U1C hcrlllt~l":T1C; fA¥- ODAiJh"'~T1 fit-OD:" 4. He shall receive the credentials of foreign ambassadors
~1I.';0. f,+Ol\A II and special envoys.
~. oJt"l OD(al:" Fie:'TC; 7iAOI/.y.T1 f,(atlJA II 5. He shall award medals, prizes and gifts in accordance with
~. 0 m :"I\f, "7.~il:"-t- h:" (,.0. ~:,. 0 Jt "l O"'lD (a~ID- OD(al:" conditions and procedures established by law.
hlf:.,.;;: flD-:" Y:CC;OI/iJl1 T1 f,(atlJA II 6. He shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister and
~. oJt"l OD(al:" f,:"C;J- f~C;JA II in accordance with law, grant high military titles:
7. He shall, in accordance with conditions and procedures
established by law, grant pardon.
1K' 'G?: ~Yo"'.A ~;M'} ;JILl'I 'I:'I'L: ii ~(hl1. If; ",') :r:ill'if'!: l}.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No. I 21st August 1995 - Page 27

?"6~.r,: il?",}'''' CHAPTER EIGHT

fih"l hil~.~OIJ.. hl1A THE EXECUTIVE
Article 72
h,}4>'" I:e The Powers olthe Executive
ilt\ hil~.~OIJ.~-1- P'AtfJ'} l. The highest executive powers of the Federal Government
are vested in the Prime Minister and in the Council of
fi' fh.TV-A'f t..Y..~A 00'}"1P"'" hCj:+~ fhil~.~OIJ.. ~-1- Ministers.
P'AtfJ'} f+{}mCD- t\m:"I\,e. OIJ..~ilT-re; t\0IJ..~ilTC'1- 2. The Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers are
?"hc 0..1- ~CD-:: responsible to the House of Peoples' Representatives. In
~. m:"I\,e. OIJ_~ilT-re; fOlJ.~ilTC'1- ?"hc 0.'''' t\ih1111 the exercise of State functions, members of the Council of
.,'mI1V':}".. ?"hc 0.'''' 'hn~9''f Ministers are co]]ectively responsible for all decisions
e;:t~CD-:: fOlJ_~ilTC'1-
they make as a body.
?"hc II,'}' hl11\'}- 1100'}'"1P'T .t-"II1~TCD- O,'J~
3. Unless otherwise provided in this Constitution the term of
t\ OIJ..{}m.''''CD-lt); f,'J I,. ~I\~, ~T ht\ I1TCD- ::
office of the Prime Minister is for the duration of the
f' OILV ih" 00'}'"1p'.1- OO{}lT ott.I\ ht;J,:\'} I1A+m{}~
mandate of the House of Peoples' Representatives.
Oil.t-4>C f m:"I\,e. 0IJ.~il.1'-r f P' I,.UOO,} f ih1f-t1 +mI1V''f
Article 73
?"hc 0.:" f P' I,. HOO'} ~CD-::
Appointment olthe Prime Minister
l. The Prime Minister sha]] be elected from among members
h,}4>'" (f~
of the House of Peoples' Representatives.
f m :"I\,e. OIJ.~il''''-r h {}ff?"
2. Power of Government sha]] be assumed by the political
partry or a coalition of political parties that constitutes a
fi' m:"I\,e. OIJ.~ilT-r hih1"O .t-ml1V-'f ?"hc o.T hl11\T majority in the House of Peoples' Representatives.
ool1hA ,e.OOlflJA :: Article 74
~. Oih11-t1 .t-ml1V-'f ?"hc 0.'''' h-t11\6liJ,004>006liJ,f17CD- Powers and Functions ol the Prime Minister
frt\1;1'1 .l':C~T m,e.?" f1'f--1- fTt\1;11 f:C~-f'f foo'} l. The Prime Minister is the Chief Executive, the Chairman
"1P'T P'AtfJ,} ,e.lhI1A/.elhl1t\- :: ofthe Council of Ministers, and the Commander-in-Chief
of the national armed forces.
2. The Prime Minister sha]] submit for approval to the House
h'}4>1\ 1:0
- of Peoples' Representatives nominees for ministerial
fm:"I\,e. OIJ..~il'}--r P'AtfJ'}e; +"II1C
posts from among members of the two Houses or from
; fOlJ..~ilTC''f among persons who are not members of either House and
fi' m:"I\,e. OIJ..~ilT-r fU1~i: C6{} ooil+~f:C
possess the required qualifications.
?"hc 0.-1. {}-t1ltO,e;f{nc :},e./r'f m:"I\,e. ht,:rr ~CD-::
3. He sha]] fo]]ow up and ensure the implementation of laws,
~. m:"I\,e. OIJ.~ilT-r fOlJ.~il-1-C'1-?"hc 0.'''' hl1/r'fi hu-t\i:
policies, directives and other decisions adopted by the
?"hc n.-r,:y. hl11\T m,e.?" t\P'~CD- 'O,PT I11\TCD-tt./r'f House of Peoples' Representatives.
'"1t\{}f1'f ool1hA t\ih1J'O +ml1V-'f ?"hc n.T OhaJ:~T
4. He leads the Council of Ministers, coordinates its
h:"Cf1 i'f.OO.+TCD-'}fil'ltf:.<J>A :: activities and acts as its representative.
;
f' f ih1J'O ,,'ml1V-'f ?"hC n.T fmtfJTCD- ih1'f Tt\.""9''f; 5. He exercises overa]] supervision over the implementation
oooo~f9''fe; CD-lt);9''f "'''II1~'e ootre;TCD-'} ,e.h;J-+"A; of policies, regulations, directives and decisions adopted
fl,'J'"1tfJA :: by the Council of Ministers.
!!. fOlJ..~ilTC''f ?"hc o...,.'} ,e.OO~A : fil+I1-t1~A: 6. He exercises overa]] supervision over the implementation
,e.mhl\A:: of the country's foreign policy.
~. fOlJ..~ilTC''f ?"hc 0.-1- fmtfJTCD-'} Tt\.""9''f ; ~,}f1'f ; 7. He selects and submits for approval to the House of
oooo~f9''fe; CD-lt);9''f +~.~OIJ..~T ,e.h;J-+I\A :: Peoples' Representatives nominations for posts of Com-
~. fU1~i:,} fCD-6f!'Tt\."" OOl\,e.~T filL1\OIJA :: missioners, the President and Vice-President of the
~. i'0IJ..1i~C''f'} t f0lJ6hl\'e m:"I\,e. Cj:Cf:n.T 'Tt..tL~'}Te; Federal Supreme Court and the Auditor General.
?"hTA 'Tt..tL~'}T'} he;"'Pe; "Jt+C'} ooc{U Oih1f-t1
8. He supervises the conduct and efficiency of the Federal
administration and takes such corrective measures as are
+ml1V-'f ?"hC n.T i'f.OO.+TCD-'} fil'ltf,.':J>A ::
necessary .
:!. fooil+~f:-r'} P'~ hL~'It?"e; -t1:J>T,e."'tfJm~A ; hil
9. He appoints high civilian officials of the Federal
~.I\1. ftr~ fhC?"T hC?"~9''f'} ,e.mil~A ::
Government other than those referred to in sub-Articles 2
iI' OtLV h'}4>1\ '}o-il h'}4>1\ ~ he; ~ h+HlH-rT CD-6f!'ftr~ and 3 of this Article.
hc;:+~ fOO'}'"1P'T f iiA (f.oo-f'f') ,e.{}tfJA:: 10. In accordance with law enacted or decision adopted by
I' f ih'll-t1 +ml1V-'f ?"hc n.T OOlJ..fmtfJCD-ih'"1 m,e.?" the House of Peoples' Representatives, he recommends
OOlJ..{}mCD- CD-lt);oorvlT ~?('c;'f'}e; 1iAOIJ-f'f') t\'Tt..tL to the President nominees for the award of medals, prizes
~,}i: h:"Cf1 ffltfJA:: and gifts.
Ili. ilt\ U1~i: u-);;J- t OOO'}'"1P'T ilt\+he;m~ +'"1I1~Te; II.He sha]] submit to the House of Peoples' Representatives
ilt\m~LT 6:",,'f t\ih1f-t1 +ml1v-'f ?"hc n.T Ofm:"i: periodic reports on work accomplished by the Executive
~TCT f4>CI1A :: . " as we]] as on its plans and proposals.
'IX-?i~ t..lot.A ~:M"" :,",ffJ ch1'Cl! ~Ih(\ I?; +, Iilfn ~.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 28

n. 0 It tJ ih 1 ool..,,,.,:r-Cj 0 "'fro:f ih1:f f '''''m-:r-, "'fro:f 12. He shall discharge all responsibilities entrusted to him by
"''''I1C':f !hCj~CjA II this Constitution and other laws.
!h<Ot-A ; !ith<Ot-A 13. He shall obey and enforce the Constitution.
Ii:' ih1 ool..,,,.,i:l ==

Article 75
ttl4>7\ ~1:
Deputy Prime Minister
itt\ 9"h:r- Am:" ",e. t1IJ.~it:r-C 1. The Deputy Prime Minister shall:
(a) Carry out responsibilities which shall be specifically
~. 9"h:r-A m:"",e. t1IJ.~it..,.?- : entrusted to him by the Prime Minister;
(}) 0 m:"",e. t1IJ.
~it ..,-?- '1' t\,e..,. ~ f t1IJ.llm-:r-l .,..., 11C':f (b) Act on behalf of the Prime Minister in his absence.
!hCj~CjA ; 2. The Deputy Prime Minister shall be responsible to the
t\) m:"",e. OI/_~it:r-?-OOl/,e.'i'CO:r- 1.tf. .,.h.,.:r- ,e.rvt-AII Prime Minister.
~. 9"h..,. Am:" ",e. 01/,~ it ..,.?- .,. m~ ~i: t\m :"",e. t1IJ.~it""?-
Article 76
,e..rCj A I:
The Council of Ministers
1. The Council of Ministers comprises the Prime Minister,
ttl4>7\ ~~ the Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers and other members
.
ft1lJ.~it,"-C':f 9"hC 0."" as may be determined by law.
2. The Council of Ministers is responsible to the Prime
~. f 01/,~it""r.':f 9"hen. ..,- Im:"",e. t1IJ. ~it ..,.C J 9" h..,. A Minister.
m :"",e. 01/,~it ..,. c: 01/,~it..,. r.':fCj 0 ih.., 0 t1IJ.mIII 00 lll'''' 3. In all its decisions, the Council of Ministers is responsible
I\.t\..-:;-ttl)t\..:f ft1lJ.1'f-0'''- 9"hC 0."" ~~ II
to the House of Peoples' Representatives.
~. fOl/,~it..,-r.'-:;- 9"hc 0...,. 'hn~ ~i: t\m:"",e. t1IJ.~it""?- ~~II
Article 77 .
fOl/,~it..,.r.."..,'-9"hC 0.'''' t\OI/,mit~~ ~lt); t\ih1f<O "'lDitf-:f
f' Powers and Functions of the Council of Ministers
9"hc o..} 'hn~ ~~ I: 1. The Council of Ministers ensures the implementation of
laws and decisions adopted by the House of Peoples'
1',14>?' ~'b Representatives.
f 01/.~it"" C':f 9"h co..} "., A flJl Cj .,..., I) C 2. It shall decide on the organizational structure of ministries
and other organs of government responsible to it; it shall
coordinate their activities and provide leadership.
~. fOl/,~it..,.(~'''''-9"hC 0...,- Oih11'0 'f-mitv':f 9"hC 0."" fmlll'
3. It shall draw up the annual Federal budget and, when
ih1:fCj f.f-llm- m-ltMP';}'- 0".,11' 00"'C101/:f~1 !l;J
approved by the House of Peoples' Representatives, it
°1f1JA: £1P00~!9':f1 ,e.llflJA II shall implement it.
~. fOl/,~it.I;r.':flCj 04>1';J' t\OI/,~it''''r.':f 9"hC 0."" "'m~ 4. It shall ensure the proper execution of financial and
fIn, I\.t\..:f fool °1""'''- 1',it"'''-l ttf.l~~"" ,e.mitCjA: monetary policies of the country; it shall administer the
"., &.~~~'} J'it"'I)<O/I'A : ,e.oot-A II National Bank, decide on the printing of money and
minting of coins, borrow money from domestic and
i~' f~foll't\'l 001°1""'''' f}oo;J.'£ O~..,. !tf;J~A J t\ih11<O
'l'mitV'';}'- 9"hC 0...,- .f4>CI1A : fl.?y,..:,.9" "''''I)t-'£~i:l
external sources, and regulate foreign exchange matters.
5. It shall protect patents and copyrights.
.fl;J°lf1JA I:
6. It shall formulate and implement economic, social and
Q' f11tf.OCj f~,e.Cjlit 7't\.fl.l "''''1111''£~'''' !l;J..,flJA :
development policies and strategies.
'Om.II',£ 'nhl !it'I'P'J~..II'A : 'I1U'O !."t-OI/A : h(}1C 7. It shall provide uniform standards of measurement and
(D-it1'Cj h~til!' ,e.O.V.II'A : f~tifb 9"lt'~Cj f11U<O calendar.
A~~1'l ,e..y.flJm&-A :: 8. It shall formulate the country's foreign policy and exercise
?;. f t,mlI'C; fh. ~ 1'011 oo.fl.y,:f'l !itm1i.9' b\ :: overall supervision over its implementation.
j.. f ttJl '.OI/,,{",£ : fOl/,., (]&-'£Cj fA 01/"" 7- t\. fl.9':f "n it"" t->I; Cj 9. It shall ensure the observance of law and order.
:{9':fl ,e.H':~A : !itt,7\01/A ::
10. It has the power to declare a state of emergency; in doing
so, it shall, within the time limit prescribed by the
'b' 1',lY: m1' foot\h.! Y.l~9'-:;-lCj f1.IL 4>ooC !lDflJA II
Constitution, submit the proclamation declaring a state of
~~. flJ1~'l:'} f~til!' °n'~"~'''' 7't\.fl. !mflJA : !itt,7\01/A I: emergency for approval' by the House of Peoples'
ij. iholCj ".,c'H- oohfl~,'} .fl.:JolflJA I: Representati ves.
I. f1',it~~~,f, '..11. tt'P~ .f~~A : OlltJ ih1 001"''''''''' 11. It shall submit draft laws to the House of Peoples'
(H'Y. ~'11(D- f'UL a'lll ~it1' : f ;J'lD~f.~l fttit:fi).,e.1.IL Representatives on any matter falling within its com-
1','P~ t\ih'U'O 'l'mitV."}" 9"hC 0.'''' tt:"cn !it?Y,::J>A :: petence, including draft laws on a declaration of war.
f{nc~'} 1-P,V'-:;-1 l.Lb9Ur.' OOl/Cj:f~9" 1-P,f-:f ",e. fihol 12. It shall carry out other responsibilities that may be
I~'
entrusted to it by the House of Peoples' Representatives
l<t:" t\l'h11'0 .f-lDitv.:f- 9"hC 0.'''' !4>CI)A ::
and the Prime Minister.
I~' f ih11'0 .f-mitv':f 9"hC o.."-Cj m:"",e. t1IJ.~it""?- fOl/,ll
13. It shall enact regulations pursuant to powers vested in it
1Il,,},I\.t\..:f "''''I)r.''''''' .fhCj~CjA II by the House of Peoples' Representatives.
Ii:' fih1Hl ,,'mitf-:f 9"hC n.'''' Ot1lJ.llm~ ".,AflJl oolll""
Y.ln:fl !lDflJA II
1X" t)jj t."f-.,&.A. ~;M"" ,'JIL(f) <I:'fC Ii ~~hl1.If; .,.1 Il1fit?; ~.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 29

CHAPTER NINE
9"/)t-lf. Hm~ STRUCTURE AND POWERS OF THE COURTS
ilt\ If.C~ o..,.:f hlD:P4>Ce;P'AllJ1
Article 78
h14>1\ ~=I; Independence of the Judiciary
ilt\ .,., f'&;~""" hilA
1. An independent judiciary is established by this Cons-
ji. .,., f'&;~""" hilA OtttJ ih1 001CJ1P''''' 1-*<#:o:l.A:: titution.
~. f /...Y..t-lt.. 001.., P"'" h r.:1-;;: f .&;
~.,..,. hilA f /...Y..t-I\- 2. Supreme Federal judicial authority is vested in the Federal
m:"I\f. r,:c~ 0."" f.1Ye;A :: f ih1fl1 1-lDl1r-:f 9"hC 0."" Supreme Court. The House of Peoples' Representatives
may, by two-thirds majority vote, establish nationwide.
hil~I\1.I'LI fLf11lD- f/...Y..'~A hlf.1-;;: If.C~ 0.""9" I'"
or in some parts of the country only, the Federal High
foo"f..oo~f f.~;r If.Cf: 0.'''' OU1~1: 000-1\- lDf.9" Oh~A
Court and First-Instance Courts it deems necessary.
h 1 Jlf.'~ ~ 0 l/-t\"" Y' il rJ-;;: f:9" iJ t\. lDil1 f.:fl\ A:: 1-.&;
~
Unless decided in this manner, the jurisdictions of the
OtttJ h i),:\1 I1A 1-lD"" f /...Y..t-A hlf.1-;;:e; fOO"f..
oo~! Federal High Court and of the First-Instance Courts are
f,~;r If.C.r.:o..,.:r P'AllJ1 t\hAA If.C.(' o..,.:f 1-"'1':tA:: hereby delegated to the State courts.
r' hAt\":f: fhAA m:"I\f. r,:c~ o..,.:f : fhAA hlf.1-;;: 3. States shall establish State Supreme, High and First-
r,:c.(' n..y,:fc,' fhAA fooJ!..oo~f f,~;r If.C.(' 0."'1' Instance Courts. Particulars shall be determined by law.
f.' t-;ftpA :: 11C11-r nihCJlf.lD"e;A :: 4. Special or ad hoc courts which take judicial powers aWaY
. from the regular courts or institutions legally empowered
9,' f'&;~""" P'AllJ11 hOOf,O;;: If.C.(' o..y,:f lDf.9" Oth'"
foo,&;'Y.), P'AllJ1 tH'''mlD- 1-*9" lD-6J.hfflll.!f,C'" : to exercise judicial functions and which do not fol1ow
OihCJlfr"f. "111 f'&;~"')' P'Cq..,. fDllf.h1-A A ~ If.C.(' legally prescribed procedures shall not be established.
0..). lDf.9" 1.'l.f«£ r,:c.(' n.')' hf.**9"9" :: 5. Pursuant to sub-Article 5 of Article 34 the House of
?;, f ih11'0"'OJI1r-:f 9"hC o...,.c,' fhAA 9"hC o..,.:f Oh14>1\ Peoples' Representatives and State Councils can es-
tablish or give official recognition to religious and
c!}9.10.il h14>1\ ?; oo,,~.). f'lf.DIl'l..,.e; fl1ihA r,:c.('
customary courts. Religious and customary courts that
0..y'1'1 t\..f*<#:OO-OJf.9" hlD-:"e; t\."m. f.:rl\t\, :: f.tJ ih1
had state recognition and functioned prior to the adoption
001CJ1P''''' hoo1\f,<#: n~..)' 0001..,P''''' hlD-:,.e; h"'~1-lD-
of the Constitution shall be organized on the basis of
fL"'~I1~~lD- nO-r f'lf.DIl'l"':fe; fl1ihA r,:c.(' o..,.:f OtttJ recognition accorded to them by this Constitution.
ih" 001CJ1P")' oo,,~.). ~,(D-:"e; hCJ1~1-lD- f.f./~;rl\- ::
Article 79
Judicial Powers
)',14>?t' iN!
f'&;~"')' P'AllJ1 1. Judicial powers, both at Federal and State levels, are
vested in the courts.
ji. O/ e..'~A9" I'" OhAA f'&;~""" P'AllJ1 fr,:c.(' 0..y'1' 2. Courts of any level shall be free from any interference of
'O:I~ ., lD- :: influence of any governmental body, government official
~. Of'''';;:lD-9'' .e.~;r fDll:'~ f'&;~"'''' hilA hDll1;;:lD-9" or from any other source.
f001CJ1P")' hilA: hDll1;;:lD-9" 1lt\P'AllJ1 I'~ hDll1
3. Judges shall exercise their functions in full independence
;;: lD-9" t\. 1\ rJ-1\ /) .,., ., lD- :: and shall be directed solely by the law.
'I
4. No judge shall be removed from his duties before he
r' .&;1,-'1' f'&;~"'''' i.CJ1Ilt,;I~lD-1 Ooo-t\. .,.,.,.). !he;lD-e;t\. ::
reaches the retirement age determined by law except
hihCJl Oil,"4>C 0t\.1\ U,),;J' hf.oo-r9" ::
under the following conditions:
9.' DIl1;;:lD-9"'&;;;: h'ltJ n;J.:f fH.oot\h1:')' l/-)..+sP:f I1AIY., (a) When the Judicial Administration Council decides to
Oili'4>C Oih.., h1-OJ""lD- f m.~;J' /)f,'DI!. hoo .('~ O~.). remove him for violation of disciplinary rules or on
h ~,:P.P,. lD,6J!' h'&;~ ., .), P' '~lD- hf.""1 9"= grounds of gross incompetence or inefficiency; or
0) f.&;1,-':f hilrJ-'&;f.C 1'11f}. 0.&;1,-'1' fJlfLTt\.1 thCJl (b) When the Judicial Administration Council decides
00,p~'1' 1f~'1' ~,?t'o.1.A lDf.9" 1,AtJ fl'" f P"~ that a judge can no longer carry out his respon-
1't\";J'e; :"Alff,:e; h1f1;J-A 11t\" fLlDil1 : lDf.9" sibilities on account of illness; and
t\) ntJoo9" 9"h1.f')' ",CJ11l-r1 Or"10,lD- l/-).;t" DIlht; (c) When the House of Peoples' Representatives or the
OJ1 hf.:fA9" 'Ot\" fLOJil1 : he; concerned State Council approves by a majority vote
th) f',.Ilf}.lD- lD-lt). Oih'lI'O rJ-mI1V'1' 9"hC 0."" OJ~9" the decisions of the Judicial Administration Counci J.
5. The retirement of judges may not be extended beyond the
OhAA 9"hC n,.Y:'}', hCJ1D1l7iOl\f. ,('9"iJ fL?t.(':" ::
retirement age determined by law.
?;. fDll1;;:lD-9"'&;;;: fm-~;J' 00lD-fil>}..ttl. h~'~H9"9" ::
6. The Federal Supreme Court shall draw up and submit to
1;, f/ e..'~A m:"I\f. f':C.~' 0.'''' f/ eo'~t\'1 001..,P")'
.}, hilA fOlJ,f il.J-'&;f:C 0""1 O:f."" t\ih1fl1 1-lDl1r-:f
the House of Peoples' Representatives for approval the
f'&;~" budget ofthe Federal courts, and upon approval. adminis-
9"hC o..}, h:"C(1 .filOJile;A : fL~,4>'('9" 0:f.'1:1 .fili''&; ter the budget.
'("~A ::
1X" t!) A..1.t./A '1;J~'''' ;JILII) <h1'C:it '1,h(\ I?i .,.1 Iilfft Ii,"', Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 30

'to fhAA f~~~"'" "I1I\-T 01:"'" Of hAt\- 9"'hC o.-fT 7. Budgets of State courts shall be determined by the
"OD"11 A :: f Ch1l-fl "'lDl1f"T 9"'hC 0.'''' f t..Y..t./\.'} respective State Council. The House of Peoples'
fhCJ:.,.~e; fOD1:OD(,.f f.~~ r,:c.(' o.-fT f~~~"'" rAil)'} Representatives shall allocate compensatory budgets for
f.COlD- I\III/.IP~"'" fhAA m:""" CJ:C.(' o.-fTe; fhAA States whose Supreme and High courts concurrently
hCJ:"'~ CJ:C~-o.-fT fO:l"'" 0IJ1111?f''(all)A :: exercise the jurisdictions of the Federal High Court and
Federal First-Instance Courts.
"'}+7\ it
fCJ:C.('0.-f T Il)9"'I,. ~..,..e;rAil)'} Article 80
Concurrent Jurisdiction of Courts
{iF ft..Y..t.A m:""" CJ:C~-0.'''' Ot..Y..t.A ~~f"T fO""e;
fODa;a.~7i rAil)'} "C:~tpA ::
""
f~~~'''' I. The Federal Supreme Court shall have the highest and
!l" fhAA m:""" CJ:C~'0.-). OhAI\. -,~" "" fo""e; final judicial power over Federal matters.
fOD£t\.~7t" p'AIl)'}
f~~~'''' ~tpA :: 0.,.a;a.0IJ(,
"C: 2. State Supreme Courts shall have the highest and final
ft..Y..I,.A fhr,:.,.~ CJ:C~-0.-)- f~~~"'" rAil)'} "C:~tpA:: judicial power over State matters. They shall also exercise
r" OILt} "'}+7\ '}o-ll "'}+7\ fi 'he; !l f"'m+(alD- 0. C:C9"'J the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
rJ) f t..Y..t.t\- m:" r,:c~' o.'r OD(a~:J-ce f (J'~ f Ch"'1 3. Notwithstanding the Provisions of sub-Articles I and 2 of
""
llU.,."'" 11\0''''') 0IJe;:ftD-'}9"' fODa;a.~7t" tD-"'~ this Article;
1\0IJ~9"' O(aOC TI\":" fOlJf"'" rAil)'} "C: ~tpA :: (a) The Federal Supreme Court has a power of cassation
1'C1'~ OCh"'1"lD(ae;A :: over any final court decision containing a basic error
1\) fhAA r,:c~- 0."'" OD(a~:J"ce f(J'~ f Ch.., of law. Particulars shall be determined by law.
m:"""
llU-"')- 11\0:"'} OhAA 1-~f"T f"'(am fODQ;\,~7t" (b) The State Supreme Court has power of cassation
lD-"'~ 1\0IJ~9"' O(aOC TI\""'" fOlJf"'" rAil)'} over any final court decision on State matters which
"'j ~tp A :: 1'C11~ nCh'" "lD(ae; A :: contains a basic error of law. Particulars shall be
g" fhAA hr,:.,.~ r,:c.v." n.')" OhA/\' hOlJ.C:~tD- f~~~"'" determined by law.
rAil)'} n.,.a;a.OIJ(, ft..f..I,.A fOD:lOD(,1 ,,~~ lj:C~- 0."'" 4. State High Courts shall, in addition to State jurisdiction,
f~~~')' rAil)'} "C:~tpA :: exercise the jurisdiction of the Federal First-Instance
?;" fhAA hr,:.,.~ CJ:c.v.' 0.-)' Ot..Y..t.A fOD1:OD(,1 ,,~~ Court.
CJ:C~-0.-)' f~~~"'" rAn,.,. OD(a~"'"OOlJ.(amlD-lD-"'~ 5. Decisions rendered by a State High Court exercising the
"" jurisdiction of the Federal First-Instance Court are
fOlJ.+COlD- ""'1Il~ OhAA m:""" CJ:C~-0."'" ":J-IA ::
];" fhAA m:""" CJ:C.v.'0.-). Ot..Y..t.A f~~~"'" rAil)'" appealable to the State Supreme Court.
OOlJ,(amlD- lD-"'~ fOlJ.+COlD- ""'1Il~ 0t..Y..t./\. 6. Decisions rendered by a State Supreme Court on Federal
""
c,:cy.- 0."'" ":r 1 A :: matters are appealable to the Federal Supreme Court.
m:"""

"'}+7\ -itli Article 81

lll\~~:Y- "11:11:9"' Appointment of Judges

{i" f t..Y..t.A m:""" I. The President and Vice-President of the Federal Supreme
CJ:c.v.'0.'''' T t..tL~'}..,..e; 9"'h""'A T t..
tL~'}"'" Ot..Y..t.A OD,}"'1r"'" m:""" OIJ.tll""'C":"t.o.~"'" Court shall, upon recommendation by the Prime Minister,
OCh1l-fl"'lDl1f"T 9"'hc 0.:,. ,,"fi0lJt\- :: be appointed by the House of People's Representatives.
2. Regarding other Federal judges, the Prime Minister shall
!l" t\.I\-T f t..Y..t.A m:""" c,:c~' 0."'" ~~T'} O"'ODl\h.,.
Ot..Y..t.A f~~T "ll'''~f,C 1-11'\ f+~(l-I\""''} 'h'"9'T submit to the House of Peoples' Representatives for
m.}>"" III/.t ll""'~ 1\Ch1"0 '''lD 11f" T 9"'hCo."'" ,,:,. Cf1
appointment candidates selected by the Federal Judicial
I"fiOlJA :: Administration Council.
3. The State Council shall, upon recommendation by the
r" fhAA m:""" CJ:C~-0.-). Tt..ll~'}..,..e; 9"'h""'A Tt..tL~'}"'"
OhAt\- C~(a ODll"'~_f...c ":"t.O.~"'" OhAt\- 9"'hC 0."'" Chief Executive of the State, appoint the President and
,,"{I"OIJ t\- :: Vice-President of the State Supreme Court.
4. State Supreme and High Court judges shall, upon
g" fhAA m:""" CJ:C~'o.:,.e; fhAA hr,:.,.~ lj:C~' 0."'"
~~T OhAt\- f~~T "ll"'~"C 1-11'\ ":"t.o.~"'" OhAt\- recommendation by the State Judicial Administration
Council, be appointed by the State Council. The State
9"'hC 0."'" ,,"fi0lJt\- :: fhAt\- f~~T "ll"'~"C ~Il~
f~~T'} if.OD"'"l\9"'hC o.-f: hOlJ:"~(I- OL"'" f t..Y..t.I\' Judicial Administration Council, before submitting
11\lD-'}"ll""lf"'" nominations to the State Council, has the responsibility to
f~~T "ll"'~"C ~Il'\ 0~'"9':t:
ODmf.}>e; "ll""frf:'} "" ;JC 00lJ1111
solicit and obtain the views of the Federal Judicial
hI,."" "ll""f"'"
Administration Council on the nominees and to forward
I\hAt\- 9"'hC 0."'" fOlJ:"~-fl ~"L~"'" "1\0"'" :: f t..Y..t. 1\'
those views along with its recommendations. If the
f~~T "ll"'~f.C ~Il'\ "ll''''frf:,} OY"ll"'"lDC1.tf. lD-ll'l'
Federal Judicial Administration Council does not submit
11"+~0 fhAt\- 9"'hc 0."'" if.ODrf:'}I"'~':PA ::
its views within three months, the State Council may
grant the appointments.
'lK' i!j{; ~1.t.A '1;MT ;JIJ."J ~1'L: {; '1,hl\ I~ +? I!if'!f?; ~.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 31

~. fhAA fno"!oP6' '-~jf ~C~ o..} J;7r OhAl\- fJ;7r 5. Judges of State First-Instance Courts shall, upon recom-
hi1.,..JW.C 1'11~ h:"~O. ~,.,. OhAl\- 9"hC o..} ~'(i07l\- II mendation by the State Judicial Administration Council,
j.. Of.}~W-'" ~~jf f07.1'f- J;7r f"lft Tt\.'}C; fllw-w-C be appointed by the State Council.
1'J;~ OO7.noi\h.,..w- fJ;7r hi1""J;~C 1'11~ ~OJ(tC;A II
6. Matters of code of professional conduct and discipline as
well as transfer of judges of any court shall be determined
by the concerned Judicial Administration Council.
h'}+", ife
f:it1 no')..,,,...} 1,J;f"r hlf)~ 1'11~ hOJ:J>+C
Article 82
Structure of the Council of Constitutional Inquiry
j!. f:it1 no'}o,,,...} 1'J;f"r hlf)~ 1'11~ mUJ :it1 no'}..,,.,.}
'l'!l:cho:l.A II 1. The Council of Constitutional Inquiry is established by
I, f:it1 no'}..,,.,.} 1'J;f"r hlf)~ 1'11~ h"'~ h,}~ hf11\.} this Constitution.
2. The Council of Constitutional Inquiry shall have eleven
~tj~:l'A II hf11\-I:9" f07.h.,..l\-.} C;TW- ;
members comprising:
u) f~'o~A m:"1\~ Ct:C~-o..} Tt..'LJ;'}.} t (toOl'to. ; (a) The President of the Federal Supreme Court, who
i\) f ~1..I,.A m:"1\~ Ct:C~ o..} 9"h.}A T t..'LJ;'}.} t shall serve as its President;
9"h,.,. A (toOl't 0. I (b) The Vice-President of the Federal Supreme Court,
m) 0:it11oO ""OJl1f-r 9"hC o..} h:"~o.~.} O~ToO who shall serve as its Vice-President;
t\.tl' Tt..'tJ;'},}- f07.'(illD' OllD'f oO:J>:f'Tw-C; O,.,~ (c) Six legal experts, appointed by the President of the
9"°'f1/,.TW- f.,..no(th~I\TW- i1~i1.} f:it.., f1i\lID'
Republic on recommendation by the House of
Peoples' Representatives, who shall have proven
f9'r ;
professional competence and high moral standing;
no) f ~'ot.. 7i). 9"hC o..} hhf11\-I: ool1hA f"tOJhl\TW-
(d) Three persons designated by the House of the
~i1:'f' (t9'r II Federation from among its ~mbers.
[. f:it1 no')o,,,...} 1,J;f'r hlf)~ 1'f1~ f""~ :"A1'lj:C;'} 3. The Council of Constitutional Inquiry shall establish
i\07~;J11' f07.fi1ri\w- oofJ':"C t\."~;J ~rl\A II organizational structure which can ensure expeditious
execution of its responsibilities.
h'}+", 'iff
Article 83
:it1 no'}o,,.,-I:'} i1i\no.,..C19"
Interpretation of the Constitution
j!. f:it1 no'}
°'"" :f''e hchc 1'J;~ ft ~I't 0~1..t.. 7i). 9"hC o..} 1. All constitutional disputes shall be decided by the House
w-I't~ f1~ A II of the Federation.
I, f ~1..t.. 7i'} 9"hC o..} : f:it1 oo'}..,,.,.} 1'J;f"r hlf)~ 1'f1q, 2. The House of the Federation shall, within thirty days of
O"t'+C'Oi\.} :it1 00,}"''''71£ 1'J;~ I\~ 01PI\1't +C;.} receipt, decide a constitutional dispute submitted to it by
OJi11' w-I't~ ~(tIf)A II the Council of Constitutional Inquiry.

Article 84
h'}+", TO
-- Powers and Functions of the Council of Constitutional
f:it1 oo')..,,.,.} 1'J;f-r hlf)~ 1'f1~ ,.,AIf)'}C; ""o,f1C
Inquiry

j!. f:it1 oo'}..,,,...} 1,J;f'r hlf)~ 1'f1~ :it1 00'}"''''7'e

1. The Council of Constitutional Inquiry shall have powers
'"J;f"r'} f07If)~.} ,.,AIf)'} ~tj~fJlA II 0"tf~C1W- to investigate constitutional disputes. Should the Council,
O7If)~:'f- oo(t~.} :it', oo'}o,,,..-I:'} 00""C19" hi1LI\1. (ftj upon consideration of the matter, find it necessary to
ftf11w- i\~1..t.. 7i') 9"hC o..} 01'J;~ I\~ fw-I't~ Yl'toO interpret the Constitution, it shall submit its recommen-
dations thereon to the House of the Federation.
,+CI1A II
2. Where any Federal or State law is contested as being
I, 0~1..~i\- 00,}"'''''.}9'' tr~ OhAA :it.., hw-Q;\. hl11\.}
unconstitutional and such a dispute is submitted to it by
r
r07. OJm. :it 1 h'LU :it1 oo'}..,,,...} ;JC ~:J>~ C;l\- f"tA any court or interested party, the Council shall consider
l' f4: ft ~1'tC;1'J;~9" OO7.ooi\/h.,..w- lj:C~' o..} OJ~9" 0f1i\ the matter and submit it to the House of the Federation for
1,J;~ ft+CoOi\.} bfC9"r.' i\00~g.~7i w-I't~ i\~1..t.. 7i). a final decision.
9"hC 0."" '+Cf1A II 3. When issues of constitutional interpretation arise in the
no'}..,,.,.} courts, the Council shall:
f' O~C~ o..y."f f:it1 ""C1'9" 'I'f4: ft~1't t
(a) Remand the case to the concerned court if it finds
u) :it1 oo'}..,,,..-I:'} 00'l'C19" hi1&.f\1. (ftj I'tf11w-
there is no need for constitutional interpretation; the
ft+C 1'J;~,) i\07.noi\h.,..w- lj:C~ o..} ~OOAI'tA ! interested party, if dissatisfied with the decision of
Ohlf)~ 1'f1~w- w-I't~ :,.C f.,..(tl f1i\1'J;~ :"t..:f'w-'} the Council, may appeal to the House of the
i\~1..t.. 7i). 9"hC o..} 0~"'f1~ O7:"~oO ~rl\A II Federation.
i\) f""C1'9" 1'f4: notj~'} foo~O.} ~'}~(f~ 01'J;~ I\~ (b) Submit its recommendations to the House of the
f"t(tmw-') :it1 no,}"'''':f''e ""C1'9" i\~1..t.. 7i'} Federation for a final decision if it believes there is a
9"hC 0."" i\no~~7i w-I't~ f+Cf1A II need for constitutional interpretation.
g. f"tno~O""')""~ ""Cq.} hC:".,. i\~1..t.. 7i). 9"hC o..} 4. The Council shall draft its rules of procedure and sumbit
them to the House ofthe Federation; and implement them
f+Cf1A . ftL+~'" """'f1~'e f~C;JA II upon approval.
1K" cJj~ t..Y..t.A ";J~'''' ;JILIfJ <k1'C it ."hll.Hi +, IuIn 'I''''' FederalNegarit Gazeta- No.1 21- August 1995- Page 32

r/}{,.£t.. tt".,C CHAPTER TEN

f.nth.t-ee 7't\.f1. OOCtfsP'fr. q,,"7sP'f NATIONAL POLICY PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

tt '} 4»1\ 'if ~ Article 85

q,,"7sP'f Objectives

<1(JJ-r f oo'}..,,,.,..,. tt \')A J11 oo'} '" "., of:'} : Iblto'f

OOJ'} I. Any organ of Government shall, in the implementation of
!!' the Constitution, other laws and public policies, be
J11'f'}r. 7't\.f1.sP'f'} ""{,. ,,~ f1.!(JJ-A O.ltJ r/}t-lf.
guided by the principles and objectives specified under
n"'OOl\h'I:'-" ooClrsP~'r. ql\OOJsP'f ,,~ 0000i11.'''' this Chapter.
ttI\O'-":: 2. The term "Government" in this Chapter shall mean a
~, O'ltJ r/}{,.£t.. (JJ-i11' Hoo'}",,,,,:,,,, OOJI\:"~,}f.fv-).:t'(JJ- Federal or State government as the case may be.
f ~Yu{,.A oo'}o,,,.,.). lD~r fhAA ooi1''''~f:~'f OOJ/\''''
~Irr. A :: Article 86
Principles for External Relations
tt '} 4» 'o'j.
"" ... ~.
f(JJ-lif.b "'T)',.,,), ooclrsP'.}', I. To promote policies of foreign relations based on the
protection of national interests and respect for the
ji' ftt.')'f'A',f'} J1'IfI1"'f' '1':"9u fOOJ"fi1l1l,n:"r. f01&'I:'} /\,q
sovereignty of the country.
I\ee",'" fOOJ"fi1h-nc f(JJ-lif.b o'Tf,.,,), 7't\.f1. OOJ{,.oof.: ::
2. To promote mutual respect for national sovereignty and
g, foo'}",,,.,,"')''} ~h-A .".,. OOJhnc : 01b/\o1'
equality of states and non-interference in the internal
,... . .
/\,ql\«r..,,)'r.
affairs of other states.
O'Jr::}'.'J,p'f:of. OJi1'1'filA,'" tt/\oo",'l-)' ::
.,,), 3. To ensure that the foreign relation policies of the country
e' fO'J&": flD-lif.b "'Tf,":" 7't\.f1. n,'J{,. 'I':"rr. n~h'A are based on mutual interests and equality of states as well
I\f. f "'lIP III.'" OOln,'} ~'}Jtv-r Oq/\r tt4»r~ f.l.~
as that international agreements promote the interests of
fOOJ,J',l.'J' i1rr.,.y:,}', ftt.')'f'A',f'} 'I':"r fOOJ,!i1h'O~, Ethiopia.
IlPlrr.:':W''} OOJ 1.;11'1' :: 4. To observe international agreements which ensure respect
~, ftt.')'f-A",f'} I\.ql\ee.,,), fOOJ,!i1h'O~r. fJ11W;I;'} 1':"r for Ethiopia's sovereignty and are not contrary to the
fOOJ~IfI.~, q/\r 1',4»c~ J11:f,l; i1rr.,.y,~'.'} OOJhOc :: interests of its Peoples.
4' h')I.IV" O'Jr.:~'r. hlb/\,,',}"r f1',C~&\'}'l'Ir:'of. ,'JC nf'l.lf.W' 5. To forge and promote ever growing economic union and
~"ff,'J fOl/,"tf.: tt.f1';'OOJ"flf 'HI I.')''.' fJ11fl1'f w'},r.:OOJOOJ"}" fraternal relations of Peoples with Ethiopia' s neighbours
.,,),'} OOJ1AIl-)' :: and other African countries.
%, n'J'Jr:'.}', IIP\,}hA fOIl, "ll' "'lif.b.y'1' lll\OOJlf Olr., oo'}'JJ',: 6. To seek and support peaceful solutions to international
OOJ f:I.'" ::
disputes.
~,'}Jt"",: '1'1.')'

1','},,.
Article 87
"" 'q'% Principles for National Defence
foohl\h,f ooclrsP~"
I. The composition of the national armed forces shall reflect
ji' flJ'Jk': foohl\hJ' '''''.If')' f,nth.r::}', : f'nth.l.ll{l'.}" ~,'.'
the equitable representation of the Nations. Nationalities
f J11w'.f,'} OOJ},r.lf .,'tpil? .f\'}""" ~Ir'.' A :: and Peoples of Ethiopia.
~, foohl\h.f OOJ,~i1''''C11";' fil?,"(I'OO(JJ-ll.ilA ~tf'.'A :: 2. The Minister of Defence shall be a civilian.
i~' foohl\h,f ,p{,.lf')' fO'J/,":'} I\,ql\lf"')' hool1ln:" IH't.L1. 3. The armed forces shall protect the sovereignty of the
OOJ/, nU,tJ ;',1 oo'}..,p,:" oolll.'''' n1',i1:':';1.~ 'l.if. 1',tp:~ country and carry out any responsibilities as may be
fOOJ,lll1l':"'} "''''I1r:',f' .fhl,"w,l,'A :: assigned to them under any state of emergency declared
~, foohl\h.f ".{,.ee.,: nOOJ'.':':w'Yu 'l.1f. /\J1'J lIP'}"''''''': "''1'11; in accordance with the Constitution.
~11''.' A ::
4. The armed forces shall at all times obey and respect the
?;, foohl\h.f ,p{,.ee'l: "''''f1~,'} h7'/\'I;\'} J','C~:.y:,}'. W'J'ree":" Constitution.
.,If fUr., 1',~\:...'} ,fh '.' W,l; A :: 5. The armed forces shall carry out their functions free of any
partisanship to any political organization(s).
1','}".?\ 'if:~
Article 88
7'/\'1;\'} .,h 1}I\OOJsP1'
Political Objectives
oo'}..,,,.,,.,. nYu'lPh{,.f1.,flf ooCtfsP',}', I\~ nooooi1I.'''' J11f(l'
ji' 1. Guided by democratic principles, Government shall
ov-I\.r f,l.~sP'f ".ll',} n".ll' fOOJ"fi1"'p'f:cn,)"} Q.).:"
promote and support the People's self-rule at all levels.
OOJoo;F:t:.), 1',/\0')' :: 2. Government shall respect the identity of Nations,
!l' OO'}"''''':f' f'Oth.r:~''} : f'n,h.l.ll{l~''} : fJ11W'f'} OOJ'}".), Nationalities and Peoples. Accordingly Government
f"7hOc'.' OIlv- I\~ noooocf11' noo\,}hl\r(JJ- ~ h-A .,..,. : shall have the duty to strengthen ties of equality, unity and
,.,.'} fOOJl1l'.'hc ",Yo;" tt/\
1','} .f:" ,)''.' OJ'} y.:OOJOOJ~"" 0'''' ::
fraternity among them.
1X'.;Jr /...1..t-A ~;MT .:JII.('1<h1'C i! ~(hl\ If; .,.') wr.tf% ~'9'"- Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st Augugst 1995 - Page 33

h'}4>1\ 'ifu Article 89

J\.tt'i0i/. Hl qltOl/sPT Economic Objectives

ji - oP'}olP'-'" o-I\''J'' J\. :"r'~!(J}<!'} fU1ti: f+IIlt-4>oP

1. Government shall have the duty to formulate policies
lJ-fl :,. +1Il:J> 01/.sPT
which ensure that all Ethiopians can benefit from the
"(J}<+:,.e; f 01/.tI' ~ 0 :,.') oP'} 1 1.:'
country's legacy of intellectual and material resources.
foP4>f{) :.,ltk~:" ht\O:" :: 2. Government has the duty to ensure that all Ethiopians get
!l- oP'}olP':" fJ\.:"r-~!(J}<!'}'} fJ\.tt'iOi/. o-).;rsPT t\0I/7i equal opportunity to improve their economic conditions
i"iA ~ irA "f.;A ~ '}Jt 'i (,.:f(J)< t\0I/1.:'l...,e; lJ-fl:" fj::"dttf and to promote equitable distribution of wealth among
Otl'~ oP'}11.:' fOl/.h~t.I\'O:"'} o-).;r fOl/oP;F:f:" "'Y.,;r them.
ht\O:" ::
3. Government shall take measures to avert any natural and
man-made disasters, and, in the event of disasters, to
r- f+t. 'f~e; 1l(J}<lit--ii hf.;J ~ '}~f.f.C{) oPhlthA e; hf.;J(J}< provide timely assistance to the victims.
ll.f.C{)'J" t\'l-11(J}< ~C~;" OCD:"i: ~'}Jtf.C{) OI/f:l.°l :: 4. Government shall provide special assistance to Nations,
~- 0~1.:'1:" CDf.~It t\4><t--Odt.~T : -fldt.l.llf1T : ih1lf1T Nationalities, and Peoples least advantaged in economic
oP,}"'P':" A~ 1.:';Jfj:!f.C;JA :: and social development.
~- oP'}"'p'.1' oP/..:,.'}e; f+t.'I'~ U-fl:"'} Oih1l-fl {)'J" Of. 5. Government has the duty to hold, on behalf of the People,
l';J'(J}< {)C 00I/1.:'l..., t\ih1lft f ;J(,. 'f:"'J"e; ~1.:'1:" land and other natural resources and to deploy them for
their common benefit and development.
~ '}Jt(J}<1\, fOl/1.:'l..., :.,ltt- ~.1' ht\O:" ::
6. Government shall at all times promote the participation of
J;. flJ1C AOI/:" Tt\.ll.sP:fe; T~..,t-tJPT 00l/.";J~0:" CD:":" the People in the formulation of national development
oP'}olP':" ih"HO''} Off.l.}f(J}<OI/It+fj: ht\O:" :: f ih1l-fl'}'J" policies and programmes; it shall also have the duty to
fAOI/:" ~'}:"{):J>(l.sPT oPY.-,fj: ht\O:" :: support the initiatives of the People in their development
't- oP'}olP':" OU1C J\.tt'iOl/.!tfe; OI/'"IOt-tf AOI/:" ~ '}:"{):J>(I. endeavourS.
(J}<{)'I'(I.1"T hCD')?,i' ;JC n~ IrA~:" fOl/.It+~O:"'} 0-).;" 7. Government shall ensure the participation of women in
equality with men in all economic and social develop-
fOl/oP;F:f:" ~ltt.~:" hl\(H, ::
ment endeavours.
;S- oP,}"'p':,. flP(,.+~(J}<'} ih1t-fl m. '}~:,. : f.tn~:"e; f~~ 8. Government shall endeavour to protect and promote the
J'.l.}f t\oPlIln:" oPll}C ht\O-'" :: health, welfare and living standards of the working
population of the country.
}, '} 4>1\ 1
OI/'"Int-tf ~h qltOl/sPT Article 90
Social Objectives
ji- flJ1ti: },:"'J" nt.4>Y. oPlIl'} o-I\-'J" J\.:"r.~!tf f:"'J" 1. To the extent the country's resources permit, policies shall
UC:": flll.e; h1A..,t\":": f,}~,U (J}<"/:foP'it!: f'J"..,-fle; aim to provide all Ethiopians access to public health and
fOl/'"IO(,.~ tp{):,.e; ~ '}Jt 'i l.(J)<f.f.l.;JA :: education, clean water, housing, food and social security.
!l- '''''J''UC-} nOl/e;:f(J}<'J"l.-'f: h"/f.0I/'i-1' : hTt\1:t) hoP 2. Education shall be provided in a manner that is free from
Mlhf-:-'-' ~e; hl1ihlttf 'h'JiJ'isPT ~'Otl'~ oP'}1f.' any religious influence, political partisanship or cultural
oPt)dt..r... },t\0:" :: prejudices.

Article 91
},'} 4>~' 1ji Cultural Objectives
l1ihA ~h qltOl/sPT
1. Government shall have the duty to support, on the basis of
equality, the growth and enrichment of cultures and
fi- oP'}"'p'-1' oPlll._-1'tf oP-,H,:f'}e; ll-nqtf h-flc'} : y"tJP
traditions that are compatible with fundamental rights,
h(,.ll. '}e; ih1 oP'}OIP'-f:'} fOl/f.:J>l.~ l1iht\"Te; AOI/f..T
human dignity, democratic norms and ideals, and the
O~ irA ~-1' ~ '}Jt 1t\-n-t:e; ~ '}Jt! f.'1' foPC~:" ~ltt. ~:" provisions of the Constitution.
},t\0:" :: 2. Government and all Ethiopian citizens shall have the duty
!l' flJ1C f.t.t.'I'~ U-01',:-'-''}e; f;rth :"C(\T'} oPlIln:" to protect the country's natural endowment, historical
foP'}"'p':,.e; fO-I\''J'' J\.-1'r.~!tf "'Yo;r ~(J)<:: sites and objects.
oP '} °1P' -r h:" 'J" 0 t.4> Y. oP III'} h. ~'I' 0 -fl'} : Itf. '} ()e; 3. Government shall have the duty, to the extent its resources
r' permit, to support the development of the arts, science
-t;h'it\"1('} fOl/{)~~')' °IYo;}' ht\O:" ::
and technology.
h,}4>~' 1!l Article 92
fht)I1Q Y.u'}~.1''l'0:J> qltOl/sPT Environmental Objectives

fi' oP'}olP")' o-I\-'J" J\.-)'r'A'_ftf '}~ue; m.c;O'J ht)I1Q ~'}

I. Government shall endeavour to ensure that all Ethiopians
Jt 'i l.(J}<foPll}C ~ltt. ~:" ht\n:" :: live in a clean and healthy environment.
2. The design and implementation of programmes and
!l' OI/'}~(J}<'J" fh.tt'iOl/. AOI/.1. ~C'J"}f fht)I1Q(J}<'} f.U,}~:"
projects of development shall not damage or destroy the
fOl/!e;;J oPtI''} ht\n-)' :: environment.
1X' @! t..1..&./:\ ";J&'-" ;JILtfJ <h1'C ii "ch~ I?; 4>1 Ilifit% '}.,.., Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 st August 1995 - Page 34

f' f t"h1f1l'} f" 1111{l feU'} ~..,. ffIIJ.00" h"" T t\.fl.S T C'''' 3. People have the right to full consultation and to the
Ir'r 0 fIIJ.H', ~ O""tj FIr I\f, 0 fllJ.lD-A0"" 1.H. ffIIJ.00" expression of views-in the planning and implementation
h+lD- t"h1.,1l o-l\- oltO',} h'}Jt 1A?\ 001.1 , ""0"" :: of environmental policies and projects that affect them
g, OO'}"'FTtj H.1r "111l{l!rlD-'} foo'}hllhll ..,Y..:t" directly.
IlrlD- :: 4. Government and citizens shall have the duty to protect the
""
environment.

'r iJIrC': "F (,.. ,,') f: CHAPTER ELEVEN

A ~ A ~ .f.;'};YI.9'r MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Article 93
"'}cJ>?, 1£ Declaration of State of Emergency
it" "itrt.\f, 1.tl. h'P~
1. (a) The Council of Ministers of the Federal Government
h' 0) f(J)Jif!> lDl..('" fL!."J'I''r lDf,'r t"h1 00'}CJ1F:t"'f shall have the power to decree a state of emergency
FC,}~'} "",;1 I\f, ffll/. TA o-);:J' fLhfl.""tj 0+" should an external invasion, a break down of law and
oof.lD- ft"h.., OI/ithOC FC'}"" "00cJ:cJ:'r ffll/f,;FA order which endangers the constitutional order and
fLrf'} : fll/tjrlD-'r f'~&.TC' "1.;1 fLY;J'I''r lDf,'r which cannot be controlled by the regular law
f t"h1Nn lI1.'} ~.}. ".V.;J I\f, ffll/. 'I'A 07i:t" fLhfl."" : enforcement agencies and personnel, a natural disas-
f&"Yo/r'" 00'}CJ1F'}' ffll/.tit""r.>r 'rhc fl."" f"it ter, or an epidemic occur.
:fi,\f, 1. tI.
"'P~ f 00 p.'} 1 CJlFA fI)'} lD- :: (b) State executives can decree a State-wide state of
""
,,) f"'&.''C.' "f.;1 fL.f;1'1''r lDf,'r ft"h1"'0'} f,U'a"" emergency should a natural disaster or an epidemic
"".;J 1\" ffll/.''A (1'li:J' fLhfl.'}' fhAA ooit'~'«;f:C'r occur. Particulars shall be determined in State Cons-
OhAI\:t:lD- f"it:':t.\f, 'UI. "'P~ t\.!lD-n. f,rl\t\. :: titutions to be promulgated in conformity with this
'IICII';. hA""~" g.U'} t"h1 oo'}oIF:" oofl.l..'} Constitution.
nOl/J~'I.CJlnfll/..fOJ({1,:flD- t"h1 00'}CJ1F-fr f,lDfl.tjA :: 2. A state of emergency declared in accordance with sub-
~, n'lU "'}cJ>",. '}O.it "'}cJ>"" fi (0) oofl.l.."" ffll/.:t"lD~ Article I (a) of this Article:
f"it:':\,1.,r" '1.11."'P~ : (a) If declared when the House of Peoples' Represen-
0) f tn',H. "'OJI1\"~" 'rhC fl..}. nF Ir I\f, 11" 'UI. tatives is in session, the decree shall be sumbitted to
f:J'OJ~~:lllf~ n:J'OJ:~: n"cll it'r,}'}' fI.'}:J',}, lD-it'l' the House within forty-eight hours of its declaration.
"t"h',H. "'OJ\'1f:.}".'rhC fl.'}' OO""I...n""O.} :: h'P~: The decree, if not approved by a two-thirds majority
O,.n"Hl "'lDl1\':'}" 9uhC fl..}, o-",} Y'it,~;;: .f.:'riJ vote of members of the House of Peoples' Represen-
,"c"Ilf,~'}' ttl\.,-r OJ-'t.flD-~ f,7ilrA:: tatives, shall be repealed forthwith.
,,) hl\f, O'}o'it ",,}cf''''' (0) itC fTtncJ>fl.lD-h,}".,~tnOcJ> (b) Subject to the required vote of approval set out in (a)
Iftj : f t"h1Nl "'OJ\'1\"1' 'rhc fl..}, OF Ir I\f, of this sub-Article, the decree declaring a state of
IlAII'HH' OJ"".}. ffll/.:J'OJ~ f"it:f\,1.f, 'UI. "'P~ emergency when the House of peoples' Represen-
"t"h'If.n "'OJI1\':'}" 'rhC fl.'} 00""1..'0 !"O.} "'P~: tatives is not in session shall be submitted to it within
n:J'OJ~~ O"Ft. ",'rit.} cJ>tj.}lD-it'l' ~lD- :: fifteen days of its adoption.
r' nfll/.tit.}c.'~'. 'rhc n.'r f"'.V.~11lD- f"it:t:t.\f, 'UI. "'P~ 3. A state of emergency decreed by the Counci I of Ministers,
O'rhC 0.": '~cJ>Ilf,~'r \'l.,-r 0:\1\ t\.cf>f, \'fII/.r"lD- hith if approved by the House of Peoples' Representatives,
it.r:it.}. OJt,.}. ~lD-:: f ,.n1H. "'lDl1\"1' 'rhC fl..} Oo-".}. can remain in effect up to six months. The House of
y'it',.;;: .r:'riJ ",}.f.;,} f,.,it:':\,1.f, 'UI. h'P~ O\'''lr'}' CD';' Peoples' Representatives may, by a two-thirds majority
n'''''.;1;1f11/. h'}-'t:J'''.it t\..fr.CCJl f,1'I\A :: vote, allow the state of emergency proclamation to be
Q' 0) f,.,it:':\,1.f, 'UI. h'P~ nfll/.:J'CD~O'}' 'UI. ffll/.tit'}C'1' renewed every four months successively.
'rhC fl..}. nfll/.,fOJfI':':lD- ".'}{l1' oofl.l..'} f01C'} 4. (a) When a state of emergency is declared, the Council of
fl.I\'rli t"hAlD-tj : f cn1Hn feU'}~.}. : t"hCJltjFC'}'}''} Ministers shall, in accordance with regulations it
fOi/ithnC FAfI)'} f,'j I.'PA :: issues, have all necessary power to protect the
,,) ffll/.tit')'r.>1' 'rhC n.'}' FAff)'} 0t"h1 00'}CJ1F''': country's peace and sovereignty, and to maintain
f.,. cJ>00tn..}.'} oofl.l..:J''f f 7'''''':l1tj f Y..'l"hlrfL public security, law and order.
oo.n.y:.}".'}: f"it:':\,1.f, '1.11."'Pn.'} "fll/CD~ 'rh'}!.}- (b) The Council of Ministers shall have the power to
frf~CD''} .,.'«;f, "OI/itOJ".r..''~&.I\'I. (ftj 0'~11lD- f.I..~: suspend such political and democratic rights con-
hith fII/',f: t\.f.Cit ffll/.1'A ~lD- :: tained in this Constitution to the extent necessary to
dl) ffll/.tit'}'r.>1' 'rhc n.')' O"itr\,1.f, '1.11."'P~ itC avert the conditions that required the declaration of a
ffll/..fCDff):t:lD-f:,} ."J1.9'~',tj ffll/.OJit'«;rlD- hC'r~9'r state of emergency.
Ofll/c;:t:lD-'r 1..11: O'lU t"h., 00'}CJ1F'}' ,.,'}cJ>?\ fi : I~; : (c) In the exercise of its emergency powers the Council of
~?; htj @j '}o'it ,,'}cJ>?\ fi htj ~ \"~cJ>ootn,.}'} Ministers cannot, however, suspend or limit the
00'0.y:.}'. ffll/.1y.'n' t\.rn. "f,1't\.'r:: rights provided for in Articles 1, 18, 25. and sub-
Articles 1 and 2 of Aarticle 39 of this Constitution.
..
1K"c!j?; t..1at.f:\ .,;JtT ;JltffJ <l:1'CIi "Ihlt!?;.,., !itffi 'J.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 35

1:'
~ 0 U1 &-1: f n IVft.\1- 1.H. n 'P~ 0 ""l.;J--(I)
~O'-'" (I)~'-'" f ih lI-fI 5. The House of Peoples' Representatives, while declaring a
"'(I)t)f-T 9"hC 0.'-'" hnl1l\-I:lJ' hih.., l1t\oo- 1sPT oPC(O
state of emergency, shall simultaneously establish a State
f""l. oP Y.'11:ffD- 1111'-'" n 111\'-'" 1 1\-'-'" f n i\:ft.\1- 1.H. n 'P ~
of Emergency Inquiry Board, comprising of seven
nL~R9" oPCO'I& (1C.(' 1'J:~OtJA :1 (1C~ n'P~ Oih1f-fl persons to be chosen and assigned by the House from
"'(I)t)f-T 9"hC 0.'-'" O""l.RY.'~O'-'" 1.H. 1-'J:'J:OtJA II
among its members and from legal experts.
1;' fni\:f'J.1-1.H. nCP~ n&.~R9" oPCO'I&(1CY.' f""l.h".I\-'-'" 6. The State of Emergency Inquiry Board shall have the
P' A tIJ') 'I ~I\ &.~.,.. T n I\"~' : following powers and responsibilities:
lJ) 0 n i\:ft.\1- 1.H. n 'P~ 9"h '} 1'-'" f ;J--11-t-'-"''} .., t\ 11(1:y. (a) To make public within one month the names of all
i\ 9" 0 n') Y.' (I)C '1..II. fD-i\1' 1-~ 0tJY.'l..., 'I f ;J--11-t-
O.-,..'} individuals arrested on account of the state of
9"h'} 1'-'" oP'" t\ 1\ : emergency together with the reasons for their arrest.
t\) Oni\:f'J.1- 1..1. n'P~ (I)~'-'" f""l.(I)l1~'-'" hC9"~ (b) To inspect and follow up that no measure taken
sPT 00tJ'i":ffD-9" l.',Y.' n.l1-f1~ce nt\oPlT'i":ffD-')
during the state of emergency is inhumane.
oP.y.tlJmC'i" oPh:J'-J-A .:
(c) To recommend to the Prime Minister or to the
tit) OtJ'i":fCD-9" fni\~~t.\1- 1.11. n'P~ hC9"~ n.l1-f1~ce
Council of Ministers corrective measures...ifit finds
oPlr).'} l1.19"'}0'r m~l\1- 0tJ.~i\'-"'-t- (1)1-9" f""l.~i\
any case of inhumane treatment.
'~'c:':f'. 9"hc o.'~' hC9"~fD-') h'}"t1i\".t)hA lJl't-fl
(d) To ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of
oPi\m:" :
inhumane acts.
oP) Oni\:ft.\1- 'UI. t,'P~ hC9"~sPT n.l1-f1~ce Y.'C1.'~'
(e) To submit its views to the House of Peoples'
fOl/.&-'~'oo-'-"''}lJct\. t\r,:c.(' h,}"t"'C~ 0tJY.'l."': . Representatives on a request to extend the duration
IP) f ni\:'~t.\1- 'UI. t, 'P~ h '}"t"'1'A t\ih1f-fl "'(I)t)f-:y.
of the state of emergency.
9"hc 0.'-'" 1'1<1: l1..,.c.o 1t\fD-'} ni\""f'-'" t\9"hC
0.-1: 0tJ~l.'0 ::
Article 94
Financial Expenditures
t, '}.,. R' 'H!
f~1-'i",} i\ OJ("J.'} OOl/.oPt\h'r
1. The Federal Government and the States shall respectively
bear all financial expenditures necessary to carry out all
{i. f&..Yo/I't\. oP'}o'P''-''''i'' hAt\"T OihO' f-J-l1f\l.:ffD-'} ~I\&.~
responsibilities and functions assigned to them by law.
.f.:}'.'i" -J-°,'Ir.':Y. t\OtJh'i"(I)'} fOl/.1i\&.A;J~~fD-'} (1)".1. OfOh-
Unless otherwise agreed upon, the financial expenditures
1\:'~fD-1-i''ir':'i''I\' : tr(:-~ 0tJ'i":ffD-9" hAA OfD-hA'i" t\0I/.&.
required for the camying out of any delegated function
1.'oPfD- .",0,I1C fOtJ..fi\&.A 1fD- (1)(,1.1,"'1\ i\9"9"~'-'" h"'t\
by a State shall be borne by the delegating party.
n.,.c fD-hA'i"fD-') Ol1mfD- (l)1') 1-'(i&.'i"A II
g,
2. The Federal Government may grant to States emergency,
.. f&..Yo/I't\. oP,}"'P"~' t\hAt\..'.f, f"'oPtlJm~ h.('1'-'" h,}~~'-'"
rehabilitation and development assistance and loans, due
t)Alr~ ni\"''''c t\ni\~~'J.1- '1..11.hC~:J' : t\oPA{\ 0tJ'J:'J:9"'i" care being taken that such assistance and loans do not
t\AOtJ.~. OtJi\~&..f t\hAt\..':f'. .n.r:c9" Ir~ hC~:J' l\.l11'
hinder the proportionate development of States. The
1-:Y'I\A :: f &..Yo/I'I\' oP'}o'p"r hAt\..:y. t\""l.1i\&.A;J:ffD-
Federal Government shall have the power to audit and
(JJ(,I.). fOl/..ff.C1fD-'} .f.:10tJ nOl/.oPt\h'r 1."t'r'i" ~1'1'C
inspect the proper utilization of subsidies it grants to the
fOtJ.f.:l.°' p'Ann 1-C:-l.'PA ::
States.

,t, '}"'1.' 'ji:

~.~

Article 95
f'i,1-'i",}i\ ',O,'} n""l.oPt\h'r
Revenue

f&..Yo/I't\. oP'}o'p"r'i" hAt\..'.}'. f""l.'P"'l.fD-'} f&..Y../r.A n~l.

The Federal Government and the States shall share revenue
~:f.:,. f-J-h.,.t\ f10. hCj;r':A _ff.C;J1\- :1
taking the federal arrangement into account.

n'}'" '" j1; Article 96

f &..Yo/I'A oP'}.., P':,. f ::I--hi\'i" f..,-flC P' A tIJ'}
Federal Power of Taxation

{i' f&..Yo/I'A oP,}"'P':,. n(l)(,I.1.'i" 10. tJ:P~T 1\1- f7-9"-t-h 1. The Federal Government shall levy and collect custom
: :J'hi\'i"
"'l.1' "'''''T tJr':1sPT 1-1'I\A I 1-l1ni\I1A II duties, taxes and other charges on imports and exports.
!{, n&..Yo/r.A oP'}..,P''-''''i'' n~t\9" n"'~ Y.'C~""T "''''tIJ&sPT
2. It shall levy and collect income tax on employees of the
1\1- f P' II' o,.nc 1-1'I\A : 1-l1ni\I1A::
Federal Government and international organizations.
r' n&..Y..II'A oP,}"'P"~' 11t\0.'-"'~'-'" P'C nIT). fAOtJ'-'" Y.'C 3. It shall levy and collect income, profit, sales and excise
~.y,:r. 1\1- f'}o,.(' :'.cr,: ..,-flC : fP'/r. ..,-flC : f7i11iJ.h'i"
taxes on enterprises owned by the Federal Government.
f lb tJ "1- i\ :J'tJ i\ 1-1'1\A : 1-11n i\I1A :1 4. It shall tax the income and winnings of national lotteries
9.' n.nth.Il'ce ft\..".& h'i" "'t\..'f ftJY.'A oo-h/r. 10.sPT 1\1- and other games of chance.
:J.tJi\ 1-1'I\A: 1-l1ni\I1A I:
1K'.;)?; t..Y..t..A ~:M'}' :IlL'" 'hTL:?i ~thlt Hi .,., Xiif'«"%~'9'" Federal Negarit Gazeta - No. I 21sl August 1995 - Page 36

?;. OhfC: ntln-c'I Otli'hC '}'I..'H17'C'} 10.$PT I\~ :l'hil 5. It shall levy and collect taxes on the income of air, rail and
~1'I\A : ~(tOiltlA II sea transport services.
}. O~lot.A oo')..,,,.,.}. tlt\o.'}~"'" ".,c 0"'l.1J. o."'T'I 6. It shall levy and collect taxes on income of houses and
t\.t\..-:;, ').nl"'T 1(1. I\~ °NtC ~'1'I\A : ~(tOiltlA ! h./..~ properties owned by the Federal Government; it shall fix
~mil'l A II
rents.
7. It shall determine and collect fees and charges relating to
:k f~YDt.A 00')"'''''''''' hl11\'}' h"'l.(ttp.:fm- ~...pf,-:;'' h1AoI
licenses issued and services rendered by organs of the
t\-.y'T fOlJ,ooHIJ: hCt:!$P~"'} ~mil'lA : ~(tOiltlA II
Federal Governemnt.
~. flfDlf7'A ..J'hil ~'1'I\A : ~(tniltlA II
8. It shall levy and collect taxes on monopolies.
V,' f~YD/..A f'I;9"-oC 'li.f6J.1' 4>l1' ~1'I\A : ~(tOiltlA II 9. It shall levy and collect Federal stamp duties.

h'}4>",11.. Article 97
fhAA ooil,,.J.;.f.:e'.)'. f:J'hil'l f..,-ftC ".,AffJ'} State Power of Taxation

ji. hAt\..:y,: nhAA ooil"'J.;.f.:C'I n.f..'c~'}' +4>ffJt$PT I\~

I. States shall levy and collect income taxes on employees of
the State and of private enterprises.
f"., (,.. °l.n C ~1'I\ t\. : ~(t 0 il tl ", II
. 2. States shall determine and collect fees for land usufrac-
§. foo(..."f. oom4>OIJ,! hC~.f ~OJil'l'" : ~(tniltlf\a II
tuary rights.
e. nOlA fDl/_fC(a.' 01tHIl'}' ".,1.. 0I/1n/...} O+1.t.:4: 10(" 3. States shall levy and collect taxes on the incomes of
$PT I\~ fhC7i ".,1.. 'U1. °l.nc ~1'I\'" : ~(tOiltl'" II private farmers and farmers incorporated in cooperative
~. OhAf\a nOlJ:ff. "'''(t.n '1."JY..$PTI\~ f'}Ol.f..' ."f.cCt:",-oC'I associations.
f'li!6J.I' :J'hil ~1'I\'" : ,e,(tniltl'" II 4. States shall levy and collect profit and sales taxes on
?;. individual traders carrying out a business within their
nhA'" m-il'1' Om-lJ I\~ hOlJ,f.lol '}/..'}il7'C"'" nOlJ.1~
territory.
'UI. I\~ °l-oC ~'1'I\t\. : ~(tniltlt\. II
}. nhAA ooil'''J.;.f..'C nOlA tlt\o.."f'~"'" ilC
5. States shall levy and collect taxes on income from
11'" o."'T'I t\.t\-T transport services rendered on waters within their
'}-ol"'-:;' 00lJ.1~ 1n, I\~ °l-oC ~'1'I\'" : ~(tniltlf\a !
territory .
ntlt\o..}'~:J':fm- ilC 0..,.-:;,'1 t\.t\-T ')-ol"'-:;' I\~ 6. They shall levy and collect taxes on income derived from
'I'"
h.t.~ !ilhCt:I\f\a II private houses and other properties within the State. They
:k nhAA ooil+J.;.f..'Ctlt\o.'}'~'}' ilC 00lJ,11' fAOIJ"'".f..'C~T shall collect rent on houses and other properties they own.
I\~ f'}..,..r.: ""'cc,: : f".,l.. °l,nc : f7i!6J.I'' h.h"'~il :l'h(t 7. States shall levy and collect profit, sales, excise and
~'1'I\", : ~(t n iltlf\a II personal income taxes on income of enterprises owned by
~. nh,}4>~ :t~ '}o-il h,}4>""
the States.
i~ f+m4>(tm- h,}f.'''mn4>If'i: 8. Consistent with the provisions sub-Article 3 of Article 98,
nOlJf).f..'') "., t.$PT I\~ fOlJf)f:,} 1n, °l-oC : fr.' !IVt'l
States shall levy and collect taxes on income derived from
foo(.."'" h.(...~ hCt:!$P'.f.~1'I\'" : ~(tOiltlf\a .11 mining operations, and royalties and land rentals on such
iI' nhAA ooil+J.;.f..'C hl11\'}' h"'l.(tm. &..:J>p..T'I h1A.., operations.
t\-"'T fOlJ,OO~'1J:hCt:!$P-:;' ~mil'l'" : ~(tOiltlf\a II 9. They shall determine and collect fees and charges relating
!. hf.') f"'l.1~ fr.'!lL-t hC~! ~mil'l'" : ~(tniltlf\all to licenses issued and services rendered by State organs.
10. They shall fix and collect royalty for use of forest
h') 4> :~~ resources.
""
f ;J/.. f:l'hil'l f..,-oC ".,AffJ'}
Article 98
Concurrent Power of Taxation
ji. f~lot.A oo,}"''''''''''' hAt\"T n;J(... 00lJ.!*'h,,-:fm-
f AOIJ"'"f:C~"'T I\~ f'}'" f: ...,.Cc~°l-oC : f"., t. ..,-oC : 1. The Federal Government and the States shall jointly levy
f7i!6J.I'' fh.h"'~il :J'hil n;Jt. ~1'I\'" : ~(tOiltl'" II and collect profit, sales, excise and personal income taxes
§. n.f..'C~"'T f'}..,.f.." ...,.CC~I\~ h'l Otlt\ hh(a.f"'iT f""'C~ on enterprises they jointly establish.
.f..'c7a'I\~ °l-oC'I f7i!6J.I' :J'hil n;Jt. ~'1'I\'" : ~(tOiltlt\'I: 2. They shall jointly levy and collect taxes on the profits of
e. nhCt:+;;: fOlJf).f.."')"., I..$PT'I 00lJ'I:fm-9" fb""'r.'lL f9"' companies and on dividends due to shareholders.
f ;J1f ".,I..$PT I\~ f1n. °l-oC'I fr.'!lL-t htt:!$PT n;J/.. 3. They shall jointly levy and collect taxes on incomes
~'1'I\f\a: ~(tniltlf\a II
derived from large-scale mining and all petroleum and
gas operations, and royalties on such <?perations.
h,}4>~ jil
Article 99
+t\~+m- ill\A+(tm. f :J'hil h'l fOl-oC ".,AffJlfT Undesignated Powers of Taxation

mUJ i'h1 00')°1".,"'" +"~"'m- !A+(tm- ..J'hil'l"'-oC fooffJA
".,AffJ'fT') n"'l.oo"h."f' f ~Y..(.. 7i~ 9"hC 0.""''1 f i'h1i-o
+ml1f"T 9"hC n."'" n;J/.. il-o(ttl Oo-t\"'" V'il+;;: .f.."9"f)
~mil'l'" II
The House of the Federation and the House of Peoples'
Representatives shall, in a joint session, determine by a two-
thirds majority vote on the exercise of powers of taxation
which have not been 'specifically provided for in the Cons-
titution.
 1X-I!)i t..1.t.fA ~.?~T :m.fIJ~'I'C Ii ~,hl\ I?; +, Iuln ,.,... Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21stAugust 1995 - Page 37

1\1+;r f-
f.+hc)'i" f..,1IC 1\IfJIfJAOOC(I'~T Article 100
Directives on Taxation
i., h AA-T'i" f 1.oY.&-lt- 001..,,,.,+ 1. In exercising their taxing powers, States and the Federal
.+h C)'i"..,11C 0 "7.1' It-O''''
1.tI. f"7.mf+aJo .+hc)'i" ..,1IC h,..,Q;k Government shall ensure that any tax is related to the
;1C f+, ,H'i"
01\..,Q,.. +m1.,. f+lJJll~ 00(1'),1 "71.;111' 1\"QTaJo II source of revenue taxed and that it is determined
following proper considerations.
I. OOOt)hl\TaJof"7.!il.aJo1 ooAt),.. """'~+ f"7~",p.'i" h"7. 2. They shall ensure that the tax does not adversely affect
+COaJo 1\1 A.., A-"" ;JC +001fJ1fJ ~ 00(1'),1 "71.;111' their relationship and that the rate and amount of taxes
1\"QTaJo :: shall be commensurate with services the taxes help
c. ,,+C~ f~oo I:C;E-""t)A(I'~ nh++c hAA-T 01.oY.&-lt- deliver.
001..,,,.,"" 1111."" I\~ f f 1.o1.&-lt-001..,,,.,"",,, OhAA-T 3. Neither States nor the Federal Government shall levy and
collect taxes on each other's property unless it is a profit-
1111.+ I\~ ..,1IC IJJ~'" +I.1'~"7C)hLA ".,A1fJ1 1\~'i &- making enterprise.
:fID-9" ::
Article 101
h1+;r bfb- The Auditor General
'I''i''aJo J-Jl +C 1. The Auditor General shall, upon recommendation of the
Prime Minister, be appointed by the House of Peoples'
i. 'I''i''aJo J-Jl+C Om""1\~ "7.~c)+~ 1\""&-fL~"" Oib1f1l Representatives.
+1JJt)f""f rhc fl."" ~1i"7A II
2. The Auditor General shall audit and inspect the accounts
of ministries and other agencies of the Federal Govern-
I. 'P'i"aJo J-Jl +C f 1.oY.&-lt-1 f"7.~C)-I:C'i" ft.A-TOO"" {"
ment to ensure that expenditures are properly made for
fl..,."f 'ilt(lT OOO~lfJmC Oib1f1l +1JJt)f"T ,..hc fl."" activities carried out during the fiscal year and in
f+oo.(OaJo ~oo.+ce O~+ . OO~..,. ~OO-f: "+IP~"" accordance with the approved allocations, and submit his
"., &-~T 0 "7.1Q 00'1' It-1 ooc,..~ reports thereon to the House of Peoples' Representatives.
"rh C fl.-f: {,;rc"" 3. The Auditor General shall draw up and submit for
'+CQA II
approval to the House of Peoples' Representatives his
c. 'I''i''aJo J-Jl+C foo".,{" fl.-f:1 O~..,. O+1':l' "ib1f1l +m office's annual budget.
t)f"T rhc fl.+ 1\""C(l ,c),.I::JoA II 4. The details of functions of the Auditor General shall be
§. f'l''i''aJo J-Jl+C 1fC1fC +..,QC Oib.., ~mll'i"A II determined by law.

Article 102
1\1+;r bfe
--- Election Board
frc~ (lCI:
1. There shall be established a National Election Board
i. OI.oY.&-A'i"OhAA frc~ hAA-T ~''i'' ""hh"~ rc~ independent of any influence, to conduct in an impartial
manner free and fair election in Federal and State
01"A+~~"" ~1Jl,t)'i1: h"71~aJor +6()'i ~, f(l'~ constituencies.
1Ith.&-'£ frc~ (lCI: ~*'k"7A II 2. Members of the Board shall be appointed by the House of
I. f(lC~ 1\QI\+ Om""1\~ "7.~c)~ 1\""&-fL~""Oib1J1I +mt)f"T Peoples' Representatives upon recommendation of the
rhc fl."" ~1i"7lt- II 1fC1f~ Oib.., ~lJJll'i"A II
Prime Minister. Particulars shall be determined by law.

Article 103
1\1+;rbff
-- Population Census Commission
f ib1f1l ~m&- 11"7.1i1
1. There shall be established a National Census Commission
that shall conduct a population census periodically.
i. fU1{,-f:1 f ib1J1I ck1'C Of1.H.aJo f"7.' m'i"'i" ~m&- f"7.
2. Members of the National Census Commission shall be
,t)'il: f ib1f1l ~m&- 11"7.1i1 ~'i &-A II appointed by the House of Peoples' Representatives upon
I. fl1"7.1i). 1\QI\+ Om""1\~ "7.~c)""~ 1\""&-fL~"" Oib1J1I recommendation of the Prime Minister.
+1JJt)f"T rhc fl."" ~1i"7lt- II 3. The Commission shall have a Secretary General and
c. 11"7.1i). 'P'i" ,.thL J "'c)LI\1. Q"OO-'~T'i" 1:;1~ llm.
necessary professional and &UPportstaff.
4. The annual budget of the Commission shall be submitted
1P&-+7joT ~tj~:l'A II
for approval to the House of Peoples' Representatives.
§. fl1"7.1I). ~oo:l''£ O~..,. 0+1''+ "ib1f1l +mt)f"T rhc 5. A national population census shall be conducted every ten
fl."" +C(l ~"I::JoA II years. The House of the Federation shall determine the
~: f ib1f1l ~m&- Of1\".,c ~oo-f: ~t)th.P.A II oaJom.-f:r oo{} boundaries of constituencies on the basis of the census
results and a propsal submitted to the House by the
I."" frc~ hAA-T1 1\hl\"A frc~ (lCI: 0"7.'''' National Election Board.
co aJo I. ct"" 00 IP I."" f 1.01..101i). rhc 0."" ~m c)'i"A :: 6. The Commission shall be accountable to the House of
i. fl1"7.1i). +m{,~+ "ib1J1I +1JJt)f"T rhc 0."" ~aJoII it" Peoples' Representatives. It shall submit to the House
"., &-aJo 1\L~" r 0 f1.H.aJo "rhc periodic reports on the conduct of its programmes and
0. -f: {,;rc"" , +CQ A II
activities.
 ,(
'lW c9~ t..Yot.1A ~:J&"" ;JtLfIJ ~TC l! ~"'c\ Hi .,., Iiifit~ ~.9". Federal Negarit Gazeta - No.1 21 August 1995 - Page 38

h'}+1\ brii
---
f ih1 OO'}"'''''T O?7i7if Ul)11'} ltt\O?OO'}aJ.T
Article 104
1\,}1: fih1 OO,}"'''''T O?7i7if Ul}11 fih1l11 +lDilr-'f 9"hC Initiation of Amendments
f1.T Oo-t\T Y'lt+;;: 1:9"11 f1-.1&..~ t f~lo~ 7i). 9"hC o.T
no-t\T Y'lt.,.~ 1:9"11 f1-.1&..~ lDf,9" h~lo~ 7i). hl1A
Any proposal for constitutional amendment, if supported by a
hAt\o'f ~lt'l' h,}1: Y'lt+;;:~ fhAA 9"hc o..,.'f 01:9"11
two-thirds majority vote in the House of Peoples' Represen-
11A6IiJ.f1-.1~T hlf~ t\~f,f,TCj t\~l}~ t\oof\~ ih1l11Cj fih1
tatives, or by a two-thirds majority vote in the House of the
(IP'}..,,,,,1: 00 7i7iA t\ tIIJ.00 t\ h;t-:f~ htj:t\o 'f f,+CI1 A II
Federation or when one-third of the State Councils of the
member States of the Federation, by a majority vote in each
Council have supported it, shall be submitted for discussion
h'}+1\ l!t~ and decision to the general public and to those whom the
ih1 (IP'}..,,,,,1:') ltt\O?7i7iA
amendment of the Constitution concerns.

l!. OtttJ ih1 OO,}"'''''T 9"lJ/r.tj: Y'ltT f+"l"~T OO11.,.'fCj Article 105
~,,~"''f O(lP<ot\-t f,tJ 1\'}+1\ t "'}-to-9" 1\'}+1\ l!t~ Amendment of the Constitution
t\..7i7i t\- ftIIJ.'ft\-T OtllJ.h+t\~ h I).~ '} 11:F f,lfCj A ;
u) o-t\-9" fhAA 9"hc o..,.'f f+lO~,} O?7i7if 01:9"iJ 1. All rights and freedoms specified in Chapter Three of this
11A6IiJ. ft.fR1:<kT t Constitution, this very Article, and Article 104 can be
t\) f ~1o/r.t\- OO,}"'''''T f ih1l11 +lDilr-'f 9"hc o.T amended only in the following manner:
(a) When all State Councils, by a majority vote, approve
Oo-t\T Y'lt+;;: 1:9"iJ f+lO~,} O?7i7if ft.fR1:+~t
the proposed amendment;
"Cj
(b) When the House of Peoples' Representatives, by a
ill) f ~10~ 7i). 9"hc o.T Oo-t\T Y'lt+;;: 1:9"iJ 0?7i7i
two-thirds majority vote, approves the proposed
f~'} ft.fR1:+~ ~~ II
amendment; and
~. OtttJ h'}+1\ '}O-lt h'}+1\ l! h+"l"~T ~6f.b ft\-T fih1 (c) When the House of the Federation, by a two-thirds
(IP'}"''''' 1: 1:,) ;J 1.9''f t\..7i7it\- ftIIJ.'f t\-T 0 tIIJ.h + t\ ~ majority vote, approves the proposed amendment.
1\1).~'} -o:F f,lfCjA I 2. All provisions of this Constitiution other than those
u) f ihlJ-O +lDilr-'f 9"hc o.TCj f ~10~ 7i). 9"hc o.T specified in sub-Article I of this Article can be amended
O;J/r. lt11(}11Oo-t\T Y'lt+;;: 1:9"11f+lO~,} O?7i7if only in the following manner:
ft.fR~'<kT t "Cj (a) When the House of Peoples' Representatives and the
t\) h~lo~ 7i). hl1A hAt\°'f 9"hc o..,.'f ~lt'f fo-t\T House of the Federation, in a joint session, approve a
Y'il+;;: hAt\o'f 9"hc o..,.'f 01:9"11 11A6IiJ. f+l proposed amendment by a two-thirds majority vote;
o~'} O?7i7if ft.fR1:<kT ~~ II and
(b) When two-thirds of the Councils of the member States
of the Federation approve the proposed amendment
0'}+1\ l!t} by majority votes.
foot;lJ.l7i ih;J'l! "~:"Cj ilf\t\~ :":(
Article 106
ftttJ ih1 oo'}ol",,-'" fhO?ci'f :":( fOOaJ.l7i~ ih;J'l! "~:"Cj The Version with Final Legal Authority
ft\~ (}~1: ~~ II
The Amharic version of this Constitution shall have final
legal authority.