Crime Victims' Rights under Ethiopian Legal Framework: The Need for Constitutional Protection

Abstract

The article argues that in the criminal justice process the key players are the offender^[1] and the Stat, but crime victims are merely passive spectators. Their participation is mainly dependent on the will of the public prosecutor; especially, in case of crimes that are not punishable upon complaint. In contrast, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution has recognized different types of rights for suspects, accused, or, convicted persons. However, it does not have a single express provision defining rights of crime victims. Although it remains on paper, the Criminal Justice Policy of Ethiopia has some important protections for crime victims. These facts attest that the crime victims are not getting enough attention under the Ethiopian legal framework. In the Constitution and other relevant laws, emphasize is afforded to the harm perpetrated on the legally protected interest of others than the actual victim. Therefore, to effectively protect the right of the crime victims and have practical implication, the rights of crime victims should be granted a constitutional status.