Ethiopia: Amhara Judges Association Says Approved Salary Adjustments Remain Unenforced, Urges Prompt Budget Allocation

Addis Abeba– The Amhara Region Judges Association has said that despite the approval of revised salaries and benefit adjustments by the Regional Judges Administration Plenary Committee, the decisions “have not yet been implemented,” and warned that the delay is “causing significant dissatisfaction among judges.”

In a statement issued on April 27, the Association said the Plenary Committee–which it described as having “the legal authority to determine judges’ salaries and benefits”–had approved detailed salary scales and allowances following recommendations from a study committee. Despite this, it said, “the decision… has not yet been implemented for judges and panal appointees.”

The Association added that judges are also affected by the non-enforcement of a nationwide cost-of-living salary adjustment introduced for public employees. “Despite its application to all employees,” it stated, “the adjustment has not been applied to judges and committee appointees.”

While acknowledging what it called “positive steps” by the regional government–such as the adoption of the Court Enhancement Proclamation and the legal recognition of judicial immunity for the first time–the Association stressed that these reforms “cannot be considered complete” without concrete improvements in judges’ salaries.

“It is certain,” the Association wrote, “that improving salaries and benefits plays an irreplaceable role in strengthening the courts.”

The statement noted that the Regional Supreme Court is “closely following up” on the matter and has been in contact with the Regional Administration, Council, and Finance Bureau regarding the required budget. “The delay,” it added, “is due in part to the absence of budget allocation from the regional government.”