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<p>DFID and FCO Ministers and officials regularly raise concerns about democracy and
human rights with the relevant authorities, at the highest level of the Ethiopian
Government. In light of the results of the parliamentary elections earlier this year,
UK ministers urged the Ethiopian government to explore ways to increase the diversity
of political parties in future parliaments, and to ensure those who voted for other
parties this time still feel their voice is heard.</p><br /><p>HMG has a number of
programmes that support civil and political rights in Ethiopia, including a DFID civil
society support programme, and a recently established joint programme with the FCO
to support strengthening in democratic governance. We are currently supporting an
initiative to engage civil society in a review of Ethiopia’s progress with implementation
of recommendations from the May 2014 Universal Periodic Review, (the Universal Periodic
Review is a United Nations Human Rights Council mechanism designed to improve the
human rights situation on the ground in UN member states).</p><br /><p>Ethiopia remains
one of the world’s poorest countries, with around 25 million people living in extreme
poverty. In the last five years, with UK support, Ethiopia has reduced child mortality
by a quarter, put four million more children in primary school and protected almost
eight million people from needing humanitarian food aid. A healthier, better educated
population will be more able to participate in society and contribute to the progress
and development of that country.</p>
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