implementation of their mandate presupposes the availability of proper funding to establish regional offices as well as the ability to widely engage in human rights education and awareness-raising activities. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has established regional bureaus in six of the regional states. The Government acknowledges the need to open bureaus in the remaining regions and the need to work in collaboration with the Commission to enable it to achieve its mandate. Although successes have been registered so far in improving the human rights situation in the country, certain challenges do still remain. The primary challenge emanates from resource constraints and lack of capacity. Another challenge relates to the growing concern over the terrorist activities. Terrorist insurgents in neighboring countries have had a detrimental effect in destabilizing the region. Promoting human rights while protecting citizens from terrorism is a challenge and the government is committed to take appropriate measures to find the right balance. The on-going implementation and evaluation of National Human Rights Action Plan, has been followed up by the inter Ministerial Steering Committee, where the EHRC played the pivotal role. Mechanisms were put in place where civil society could participate in its. The EHRC continues to provide capacity building training to officers in the police and in prisons. The legal and policy frameworks on the rights of persons to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, had been implemented. Religious groups had established an Inter-religious council to maintain and advance inter-religious tolerance In conclusion, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia wishes to renew its commitment to work for the continued improvement of the African Human Rights System. Ethiopia remains committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights and looks forward to a productive and constructive dialogue with the Commission. 128