INTRODUCTION The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is located in the Horn of Africa and shares borders with Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan. Situated in the Horn of Africa, the crossroads between Africa, the Middle East and Asia, it is also one of the gateways to Africa. Ethiopia is an ancient country, home to the earliest hominid ancestors of mankind and to one of the earliest human civilizations. Throughout its long history, under its own system of governance, it has been ruled by a succession of emperors and kings for over three thousand years, remaining independent and free from colonial rule. Ethiopia was the only African state which successfully defended its independence during the colonial era. Previously a member of the League of Nations, it subsequently became a founding member of the United Nations. Since the formation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, subsequently replaced by the African Union (AU), Ethiopia has played an active and critical role in African affairs. Ethiopia is committed to the realization of AU„s vision for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa providing and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. Ethiopia is a committed member of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) Heads of State Implementation Committee. It has contributed significantly to NEPAD„s dealings with the international community in forums like the G20 while expanding NEPAD„s activities within the AU. Ethiopia is an active member in Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD); a subregional organization focusing on peace and development in the Horn of Africa sub-region. It is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), embracing 19 countries in the sub-region. Ethiopia„s role and contributions in these organizations has been prominent, and Addis Ababa has become a hub of African diplomacy, serving as the seat of many African organizations today, including the AU. Ethiopia‟s involvement in Africa, in governance and development on the continent, demonstrates that it holds the African human rights system in high regard. The Government of Ethiopia is committed to the African mechanism of human rights and welcomes the opportunity to work together with ACHPR and with other governments to improve the situation of human rights in the continent. 9