continuous training, and to the members of the House of People‟s Representatives and to
community members regarding violence against children, the legal regime and its effects. These
coordinated activities are already helping to reduce violence against minors and children.
Judicial Measures
In the case of Betezata Children’s Home Association et. al (Cassation File Number 52691) which was
litigated to the level of the Supreme Court, the applicants requested the court to cancel the adoption
agreement previously concluded on the ground that such cancellation is in the best interest of the
child. After the conclusion of the agreement, the adoptive family discovered that the adopted child
suffers from mental disorders. Then the applicants requested the cancellation of the agreement on
the ground that they would not be able to take care of the child for financial reasons. The court
decided that the best interest of the child should be the guiding principle as per the Constitution and
the international human rights treaties Ethiopia has signed. Accordingly, the adoption agreement
was cancelled.
In the case of W/zo Tsedale Demmissie and Kifle Demmissie (Cassation File Number23632) was taken to
the level of the Supreme Court, the Court held that the right of parents to become guardians and
tutors for their children was conditioned on their ability to work for the well being and safety of the
child. The Court applied Article 36(2) of the Constitution which requires the primary consideration
of the best interests of the child in all actions concerning children undertaken by public and private
welfare institutions, courts of law, administrative authorities or legislative bodies.
Measures taken to Prevent Child Trafficking
The FDRE constitution prohibits all forms of slavery and slave trade under Art.18 (2) and the
Revised Criminal Code provides 5-20 years of imprisonment and fines for those engaged in child
trafficking.
A national task force, coordinated by the Prime Minister Office, has been established to combat
illegal human trafficking, and especially trafficking in women and children. The national task force
has coordinated a campaign against illegal human trafficking at all levels. It has held a number of
panel and public discussions on the effects of illegal human trafficking. A National Council, led by
the Prime Minister was established in 2004 EC to combat human trafficking. The Council includes
94