The Ethiopian HumanRights Commission says Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's government has designedgood governance programs aimed at respect and protection for human rights. CommissionerKassa Gebrehiwot reportedly said the commission has been striving to raise publicawareness about human rights through the use of the mass media.
He spoke Mondayin Addis Ababa during a seminar on the role of members of parliament in therespect and protection of human rights.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi'sgovernment is denying allegations it committed human rights abuses against theAnuaks in the Gambella region of western Ethiopia and ethic Somalis in theOgaden. In a letter, the organization "Genocide Watch" has asked the UnitedNations High Commissioner for Refugees to investigate the alleged crimes whichit said fit the definition of genocide.
Woindimu Asamnew, spokesman for the Ethiopian Embassy inWashington told VOA his government considers theallegations as lies.
"Wedon't take seriously their allegations and fabrications. They are totallyunfounded, fabricated lies," he said.
Inhis letter to the UnitedNations High Commissioner for Refugees, Genocide Watch President GregoryStanton said Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and others in his governmentwere probably aware that they too could one day be brought before theInternational Criminal Courtfor crimes against humanity.
Asamnewsaid the Ethiopian government does not take such comments seriously. He alsosaid there was no need for an independent outside investigation as was beingrequested by Genocide Watch.
"Wedon't take this kind of idea seriously. We have a parliament; they do take careof these kinds of issues. There is no any need of inviting international bodyfor this purpose because of unfounded allegations. An outside investigation isunnecessary and unacceptable," Asamnew said.
GenocideWatch said the atrocities allegedly committed in Gambella against the Anuaks in2005 fit the definitions of genocide and crimes against humanity. But Asamnewsaid the allegations are false.
"Wehave investigated the matter and taken corrective measures, otherwise this kindof exaggerated and unfounded lies are not taken seriously by our government,"he said.
Healso denied Genocide Watch's claims of a "culture of impunity" within theEthiopian government.
"WhatI'm saying is that any individual can say whatever he wants, but allegingsomething and the realities on the ground are totally different matter," Asamnewsaid.