At the end of March, in partnership with the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the Ethiopian Police University, we delivered a Training of Trainers (ToT) on Leadership, Human Rights and Electoral Security Operations in Addis Ababa, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme, UN Women and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The initiative brought together 60 senior police officers from federal and regional institutions across Ethiopia, reflecting a coordinated effort to reinforce national capacities in view of the country’s upcoming general elections.
The training was designed to strengthen both individual competencies and institutional frameworks by integrating leadership development, human rights protection and electoral security management. In contexts where electoral periods can heighten tensions, the role of security forces is pivotal in ensuring that electoral processes unfold in a safe, peaceful, and credible manner. Against this backdrop, the programme placed particular emphasis on enhancing participants’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities, while reinforcing the importance of upholding fundamental rights, including the protection of women and other vulnerable groups from violence, intimidation, and exclusion.
The adopted methodology relied on interactive and experiential learning approaches that encouraged active participation, peer exchange and critical reflection. Through a combination of facilitated discussions, comparative case studies, simulations and role-playing exercises, participants were able to engage directly with real-life scenarios and operational challenges, strengthening both analytical and decision-making capacities. The progressive structure of the training allowed participants to build a solid foundation in key thematic areas, including the operational roles of security actors throughout the electoral cycle, while also addressing conflict prevention, early warning mechanisms, and responses to electoral violence.
This initiative illustrates our continued engagement in supporting democratic strengthening through tailored capacity-building programmes that respond to the specific needs of partner countries. By working in close collaboration with national stakeholders and international partners, we contribute to enhancing electoral integrity and resilience, particularly in complex and evolving environments. The successful implementation of this Training of Trainers represents an important step towards ensuring that Ethiopia’s forthcoming elections are conducted in a manner that is not only secure, but also inclusive, transparent and fully respectful of human rights.
