Monday, June 02, 2025 

In the most recent Amnesty International Urgent Action letter, the TRU Students’ Union called on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to immediately halt the mass evictions currently taking place under the government’s Corridor Development Project. We urged the Prime Minister to ensure that any development efforts are carried out in line with international human rights standards, including the right to adequate housing and protection from forced displacement. 

“Writing this letter was important to me because it’s hard to imagine being evicted without warning, without compensation, and with no place to go,” said Keegan Buckley-Boyer, TRUSU Accessibility Representative. “Everyone deserves the right to a safe and secure home.” 

Since December 2022, Ethiopia’s government has forcibly evicted over 850 residents from the capital, Addis Ababa, as part of the Corridor Development Project. These evictions occurred without prior notice, legal justification, or the provision of alternative housing, directly violating both Ethiopia’s own constitutional commitments and its obligations under international law. Affected individuals were left homeless and displaced without compensation, often losing not only their homes but also their livelihoods and access to essential services. The second phase of the project aims to clear over 2,000 hectares of land, threatening to displace thousands more. 

These evictions are part of a broader pattern of forced displacement and land-grabbing under the guise of economic development across the country. While infrastructure and development are important, they cannot come at the expense of people’s dignity and rights. Mass forced evictions, particularly when carried out without transparency, due process, or restitution; constitute a serious violation of human rights, disproportionately affecting the most marginalized populations. Ethiopia, as a member of the United Nations, has a responsibility to uphold the right to adequate housing and ensure all citizens are protected from arbitrary displacement. 

“Everyone deserves the security of a safe home, and I believe that with enough international attention, the Ethiopian government will be compelled to respect that right,” says Buckley-Boyer. 

We hope Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed will act swiftly to address this human rights violation by halting all forced evictions, providing immediate assistance to those already displaced, and ensuring that future development does not come at the cost of hundreds more displaced. 

We are currently awaiting a response from the Ethiopian Government on this urgent matter. 

The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.