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The Imperative of Social Justice in Postwar Tigray: A Call to Action, An excerpt
By: Assefa Leake Gebru(PhD)
Assistant Professor of Political Science, at Department of Political Science and Strategic
Studies. College of Law and Governance, Mekelle University
Editor-in-Chief of MU-JPSSS
Research Manager, Bahgina Research, Consultancy and Multi-Media Plc
(Bahgina RCM Plc)
An Overview
A community that neglects the imperative of social justice is inexorably destined for decay,
whether in the immediate or distant future. This critical juncture often serves to illuminate the
profound miscalculations of those in power, yet they glean little wisdom from this realization.
Social justice embodies the relentless pursuit of a fair and equitable society, systematically
addressing the entrenched issues of inequality, discrimination, and oppression (Rawls, 1971). At
its philosophical core, social justice is anchored in fundamental principles such as “equality”,
which asserts that all individuals possess an inviolable right to equal rights and opportunities,
irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances (Sen, 2009). Moreover, “equity” acknowledges
the imperative for diverse resources and support systems to ensure fairness and opportunity for all,
recognizing that uniformity in treatment does not equate to justice.
Access to essential services-such as education, healthcare, and employment-is not merely a
privilege but a fundamental human right critical to the realization of social justice (UNESCO,
2015). Furthermore, fostering active participation empowers individuals to engage meaningfully
in the decision-making processes that profoundly affect their lives. The safeguarding of human
rights for all, encompassing civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, lies at the heart
of this philosophical framework. Social justice manifests in various dimensions, including
“economic justice”, which confronts the pervasive specter of income inequality and advocates for
fair wages; “racial justice”, which challenges systemic racism and promotes genuine equality
among diverse racial and ethnic groups; “gender justice”, which champions gender equality and
addresses the scourge of gender-based violence; “environmental justice”, which ensures equitable
access to a healthy and sustainable environment; and “disability rights”, which advocates for the
rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
The significance of social justice is profound, as it cultivates a peaceful and inclusive society where
every individual can thrive and contribute, dismantling the systemic barriers that obstruct
marginalized groups from realizing their full potential (Piketty, 2014). In light of the ongoing
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challenges that beset societies worldwide, my focus is directed toward the pressing social justice
issues within Tigray, where the need for equitable solutions is more urgent than ever.
Tigray: A Landscape of Social Injustice and Oppression
Understanding the current situation in Tigray is imperative, as it profoundly influences our
collective future. Recent research and consultancy work I conducted in November 2024, which
included various dialogue sessions commissioned by ACSOT and facilitated by Bahgina Research
Consultancy and Multi-Media PLC, where I serve as research manager, aimed to inform
intervention design for post-conflict recovery in Tigray. These dialogues were characterized by
high levels of participation, engaging a diverse array of stakeholders, including community leaders,
youth, women, representatives from social community organizations (SCOs), government officials,
and advocacy groups. The discussions were vibrant and open, fostering a free exchange of ideas
and experiences. Organized around six key thematic areas, gender dynamics and social equity,
youth development, social service development and inclusion, peace perception and understanding,
human rights, governance and democratization, and agriculture and food security, these sessions
provided a comprehensive framework for exploring the multifaceted challenges and opportunities
confronting Tigray in its post-conflict recovery.
The findings from these dialogue sessions illuminate several critical points regarding the pervasive
absence of social justice in the region. Widespread and egregious human rights violations during
the conflict, including indiscriminate killings and sexual violence, have disproportionately affected
women, youth, and marginalized groups. Alarmingly, these violations persist to this day, and the
lack of accountability for these abuses has eroded trust in institutions and leadership, creating
formidable barriers to reconciliation and peace-building. The existing social inequities have been
exacerbated by the conflict, leaving women and marginalized groups grappling with ongoing
challenges in accessing resources, opportunities, and meaningful participation in decision-making
processes. For instance, educational access remains severely limited for disabled individuals,
former Tigray Defense Force (TDF) fighters, and children of martyrs.
Moreover, gender-based violence has escalated alarmingly, with survivors facing significant
challenges, including inadequate support and trauma exacerbated by some NGO interventions. The
humanitarian aid provided lacks standardization, leading to feelings of inequity and re-
traumatization among victims. Economic disparities remain stark, with limited employment
opportunities for women and youth, as the conflict has devastated businesses and disrupted
economic activities, resulting in prolonged unemployment and hardship. The marginalization of
youth from decision-making processes impedes progress and stability, as entrenched power
structures resist change and fail to recognize the unique contributions that young people can offer.
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The delivery of social services is severely compromised, with essential services such as healthcare,
education, and justice in disarray. Healthcare facilities often lack adequate supplies, forcing many
pregnant women to deliver at home, while social protection mechanisms remain woefully
inadequate, leaving orphans, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities without necessary
support. The community's capacity to provide assistance has diminished significantly. Governance
structures are frail, characterized by a lack of accountability, transparency, and responsiveness.
Corruption and political instability further undermine social justice, with the legacy of single-party
rule and suppression of dissent posing substantial challenges to democratization.
The rule of law is undermined by post-war anarchy, and the government’s capacity to provide
security and protection is severely lacking. There is a notable absence of functional judicial
mechanisms to prosecute human rights violators. Additionally, a generational divide exists in the
understanding of democracy; younger, more educated individuals prioritize free and fair elections,
while older generations emphasize stability. Cultural norms often foster intolerance toward
differing viewpoints, hindering inclusive political discourse. In the agricultural sector, farmers face
numerous challenges, including scarcity of inputs, lack of support from government and NGOs,
corruption in distribution, and inadequate access to credit. Market linkages are also lacking,
preventing farmers from receiving fair prices for their produce.
These findings collectively illustrate a systemic absence of social justice in Tigray, characterized
by human rights abuses, entrenched inequality, a lack of accountability, and dysfunctional
governance, all of which significantly impact various aspects of life in the region. The path forward
necessitates a concerted effort to address these challenges and to re-establish a foundation of social
justice that can foster a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
A Call to Action
In light of the urgent social justice issues confronting Tigray, it is imperative that we mobilize our
collective efforts to foster meaningful and transformative change. Stakeholders—including
government officials, community leaders, and civil society organizations—must prioritize the
establishment of inclusive dialogue platforms that amplify the voices of marginalized groups,
ensuring that their experiences and perspectives are integral to the decision-making process. It is
essential to implement comprehensive policies that address the root causes of inequality and
discrimination, thereby guaranteeing equitable access to essential services for all citizens. We must
advocate relentlessly for accountability and transparency in governance, demanding that those
responsible for heinous human rights violations are held to the fullest extent of the law.
Furthermore, empowering youth and women through targeted programs and initiatives will not
only enhance their participation in decision-making processes but also contribute to the creation
of a more resilient and equitable society. The time for action is now; together, we can dismantle
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systemic barriers, promote social equity, and pave the way for a just and prosperous future for
Tigray. Let us unite in our unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of social justice,
ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the rebuilding of our
community. In this endeavor, we must recognize that social justice is not merely an aspiration but
a fundamental right that must be fiercely defended and actively pursued by all.