Terms of Reference (ToR): Preparation of a Study on the Options for Establishing Victims’ Support Group in Ethiopia

Background

Ethiopia has experienced significant periods of conflict, political repression, and human rights violations, leaving deep scars on its society. These events have resulted in thousands of victims who have suffered from violence, forced displacement, torture, and other forms of abuse. As Ethiopia embarks on a transitional justice process aimed at reconciling these past injustices, it is crucial to provide support for victims who are often left marginalized and without access to the care and services they need.

In post-conflict and transitional justice settings, victims’ support groups are widely recognized as a vital mechanism for providing the necessary care and advocacy that victims require. These groups serve multiple functions, from providing psychological and emotional support to advocating for legal remedies, social services, and policy reforms that address victims’ needs. They also offer a collective voice for victims in transitional justice processes, ensuring that their stories are heard and that justice efforts are inclusive and equitable.

Ethiopia has not a comprehensive mechanisms to consistently address the needs of victims of human rights abuses. While some civil society organizations and community initiatives offer limited support, there is no national framework or organized support system for victims, particularly those affected by conflicts and political upheaval. Without such mechanisms, many victims remain isolated and unable to access the help they require, whether in the form of trauma counseling, legal aid, or assistance with rebuilding their lives.

The establishment of victims’ groups in Ethiopia presents an opportunity to address these gaps. Such groups can provide a safe space for victims to share their experiences, offer peer support, and advocate for justice and reparations. Additionally, these groups can help bridge the gap between victims and formal justice processes, ensuring that victims are aware of their rights and can participate meaningfully in the broader transitional justice framework. The involvement of victims in transitional justice processes not only contributes to healing but also promotes social cohesion and long-term peace by addressing the root causes of conflict.

International experience shows that victims’ groups are most effective when they are tailored to the cultural, social, and political contexts in which they operate. Therefore, it is essential to design a model for Ethiopia that takes into account the country’s unique social fabric, ethnic diversity, and historical challenges. Furthermore, the success of such groups relies on proper legal frameworks, strong institutional backing, sustainable funding, and close collaboration with civil society and international actors.

The proposed study aims to explore the options for strengthening or outlining mechanisms for establishment of victims’ groups in Ethiopia. It will assess the needs of victims, review successful models from other post-conflict countries, and propose a set of recommendations that are practical and sustainable within Ethiopia’s context. By providing a comprehensive analysis and roadmap, this study will contribute to enhancing the capacity of Ethiopia to support victims as part of its broader transitional justice and reconciliation efforts.

Objective

The primary objective of the study is to identify and outline tailored mechanisms and approach for the strengthening of existing victim groups and establishment of new victim groups. as a key component of This will ensure that victims are empowered and organized to have a meaningful participation in the transitional justice process. This includes identifying the needs of victims, reviewing international best practices, analyzing current structures within Ethiopia, and providing recommendations on how to strengthen existing victim groups and outline tailored approaches for the establishment of new victim groups. .

Scope of Work

The Consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Needs Assessment: Identify the psychological, legal, and social needs of victims of human rights violations in Ethiopia.
• Assess the demand for different types of support services, including trauma counseling, legal aid, peer support, and advocacy.
• Review of International Models: Conduct a comparative analysis of victims’ support groups in other countries, particularly in post-conflict or transitional justice contexts.
• Identify best practices and lessons learned from international models that could be adapted to Ethiopia’s context.
• Legal and Institutional Framework Analysis: Review Ethiopia’s existing legal and institutional frameworks related to victims’ rights and support services.
• Identify gaps or limitations in current structures and assess how new victims’ groups could complement or enhance existing mechanisms.
• Stakeholder Consultations: Engage with key stakeholders, including victims, civil society organizations, legal practitioners, psychologists, and government officials, to gather input on the most effective ways to establish and support victims’ groups.
• Ensure that the study reflects the diverse perspectives of Ethiopia’s affected communities, including women, children, and marginalized groups.
• Feasibility and Operational Models: Propose different options for establishing victims’ groups in Ethiopia, considering factors such as funding, governance structures, geographic reach, and partnerships with existing organizations.
• Recommend operational models that ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and effectiveness.
• Recommendations: Provide clear and actionable recommendations for the strengthening and establishment of victims’ groups in Ethiopia, including capacity-building initiatives.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to devise an appropriate methodology to develop the study and should be indicated in the technical proposal.

Deliverables

The Consultant is expected to provide the following deliverables:

• Inception Report: Outline the proposed methodology, work plan, and timeline for the study;
• Draft Study Document: A comprehensive draft of the study, including a review of international models, legal framework analysis, stakeholder consultation findings, and proposed operational models.
• Presentation: a presentation of the key findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, and international partners in four locations, Amhara, Oromia & Addis Ababa (in Addis Ababa), Tigray, and Afar.
• Final Study Document: A revised and finalized version of the study document, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Executive summary and key recommendations for stakeholders.

Timeline

The level of effort for this assignment is 25 working days.

Required Minimum Qualifications

The Consultant should possess the following qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Law, Human Rights, Psychology, or related fields.
• A proven previous experience in victim support services, transitional justice, or post-conflict recovery, preferably in Ethiopia or similar contexts.
• Proven track record of conducting needs assessments and research on human rights or social justice issues.
• Experience working with trauma survivors or vulnerable populations, with a strong understanding of psychosocial support services.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Amharic or other local languages is an asset.