International aid to Ethiopia does not support political oppression, Ireland’s development agency has maintained.
Irish Aid is reacting to a recent Human Rights Watch report alleging that the Ethiopian government is using foreign aid to further its interests and as a tool to repress the opposition, Irish Times says.
“Our examination, in consultation with the other major international aid donors in Ethiopia, does not support the Human Rights Watch allegations of widespread, systematic abuse of development assistance in Ethiopia,” a spokesperson for the agency said, according to Irish Times.
The spokesperson added that Irish Aid is implementing rigorous safeguards and checks such as regular audits and independent evaluations to make sure its aid is used in a transparent manner.
“Irish Aid staff participate in field monitoring visits to ensure that our aid is achieving the intended development results and that it is benefiting those who are most in need,” she explained.
Ireland is “open and frank” in its dialogue with Ethiopia on various issues including human rights, she added.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has also rejected the HRW report’s allegations, as reported by Devex.
>> Ethiopia Dismisses Claims of Using Aid to Crush Dissent
Meanwhile, Canada has called for a full investigation into HRW’s findings.
>> Canada Wants Probe of Ethiopia Aid
