PART III PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF PEOPLES’ RIGHTS Rights of all Peoples to Equality, Existence and Self-Determination 20) (Articles 19- Constitutional Measures Pursuant to Article 8 of the FDRE Constitution “all sovereign power resides in the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia.” Moreover, the Constitution provides that “human and democratic rights of citizens and peoples shall be respected.” The Constitution also conferred the right to self- determination on these nations, nationalities and peoples. It granted them the right to speak in their own language, maintain their cultures, history, and identity and to create their own separate institutions.94 Ethiopia is a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multilingual country with over 89 languages. It is indeed an admirable model where many nations, nationalities and peoples live in mutual respect and harmony. The creation of the Federal system and the adoption of the Constitution in 1995 laid down the foundations for the promotion of peoples‟ rights. Article 39 of the FDRE Constitution, therefore expressly guarantees: - The right of all nations, nationalities and people to unconditional right to self-determination, including the right to secession; - The right to speak, to write and develop their own language, to develop and promote their own culture and; - The right to self-government. Articles 39 (3), 42, and 47 of the Constitution make it clear the right to secession is part of the right to self-determination of nations regardless of their numerical, historical political status. The only limitation to this right is that all regional or local organs should discharge their duties and exercise their rights within the framework of democratic principles, the rule of law and in accordance with the mandatory rules and spirit of the FDRE Constitution. 94 Articles 39 and 52 of the FDRE Constitution 108