Executive Director
Yared Hailemariam
Yared Hailemariam serves as the Executive Director of the Ethiopian Human Rights Defender Center (EHRDC). Under his guidance, EHRDC offers crucial services including emergency protection, advocacy, awareness campaigns, capacity building, and technological support to human rights defenders. Yared is renowned for his founding roles in the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE) in addition to the Center. He has served multiple roles at the Ethiopian Human Rights council before he was forced to relocate to Belgium. His return to Ethiopia marked a significant contribution as he helped establish multiple human rights organizations after enduring years of exile.
PrORGAM DIRECTor
Tarikawit Fikadu
Tarikawit Fikadu brings over a decade of diverse experience in law, public enterprises, consultancy, and civil society. With a law degree from Wollo University and a Master’s in constitutional law and human rights from Umeå University, Sweden, she serves as Program Director at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center (EHRDC). In this role, she oversees programs, represents the center in various networks, and manages projects and training workshops. Tarikawit is also actively involved in community initiatives, serving on boards and contributing to women’s rights through her published papers.
Advocacy and Communications Manager
Kalkidan Tesfaye
Kalkidan, with Masters in English language and Literature, BSC degree in Computer Science and Certifications in Journalists has a diverse background in program management, communications, advocacy and creative writing. She has collaborated with notable organizations like the UN and EWF in advocating for human rights. At EHRDC, she has worked in many positions from program to advocacy and communications and focal for digital safety and security. In her current role, she ensures the Center’s mission, goals, and activities are effectively communicated to members, policymakers, media, and the public. She effectively manages and develops external, internal, and digital Advocacy and communication strategy for the organization
Program and Resource mobilization Manager
Bersabeh Solomon
Bersabeh is a seasoned professional with a background in Law, holding a Bachelor’s degree from Dire Dawa University and a Master’s degree from Addis Ababa University, specializing in Human Rights Law. Her expertise spans various roles, from lecturing to working in a local non-governmental organization.
Over the years, Bersabeh has held key positions, including Research and Advocacy Coordinator, where she showcased her proficiency in project management and implementation. Her diverse experiences have equipped her with a broad skill set, allowing her to excel in different realms and continuously advance in her career. Through her work, Bersabeh has not only expanded her capacities but also gained invaluable insights, shaping her into a versatile professional in the field of Law and Human Rights.
Protection and Research Manager
Noah Yesuf
Noah is a Protection Manger and Research Manger at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center since October 2022. Prior to his current position, he served as an Assistant Researcher and Trial Monitoring Officer at the Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia. Additionally, Noah worked as an Assistant Lecturer at Wollo University School of Law, where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree. His responsibilities encompass a wide range of activities including providing human rights education, facilitating debates, conducting assessments and research, drafting press statements, manuals and guidelines, and handling the protection of human rights defenders through case management. Noah has also acquired extensive experience in both national and international moot court and debate competitions.
Administrative manger
Leilt Tilahun
Leilt Tilahun is a graduate of law from Haramaya University, and a master’s candidate in project management from Addis Ababa University. In the year 2022 G.C, Leilt joined the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center as a project assistant. Then, she was promoted to the position of Administrative Coordinator within the same year. As an Administrative Coordinator, Leilt plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and effective day-to-day management of EHRDC’s strategic human resources, procurement, and logistical services. Moreover, she is a safeguarding officer, responsible for safeguarding the organization’s stakeholders by ensuring that the center’s safeguarding policy is strictly adhered to by the staff and any other parties who interact with the center.
Finance manager
Fikadu Dufera
Fikadu has served in different position at the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center since 2021, bringing over 6 years of finance experience from senior positions in both governmental and non-governmental organizations. His expertise spans various aspects of finance, including budgeting, financial planning and analysis, reporting, cash flow management, procurement, risk management, and compliance. In his role at EHRDC, Fikadu plays a vital part in overseeing the organization’s financial operations.
Advocacy and Communications Officer
Hana Lale
Hana Lale, a Women’s Rights Activist, is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Human Rights Law at Addis Ababa University. With bachelor’s degrees in law and business management, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to her advocacy work. Proficient in advocacy, communication, and campaigning, Hana is also a skilled trainer in advocacy and digital security. Her dedication to promoting and protecting human rights is evident in her ongoing education and commitment to making a difference.
Finance officer
Hewan Ayalew
Hewan Ayalew holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Adams University, which she earned in 2018. Following this, she pursued a Master’s degree in Business Administration, completing her studies in 2020. Throughout her career, Hewan has garnered extensive experience in Accounting, Marketing, and Management, having worked in diverse roles across both private and government sectors. Presently, she serves as a Finance Officer for the Ethiopian Human Rights Defenders Center
Junior Program Officer
Rediet Gezahegne
Rediet Gezahegn, A Dedicated and Passionate Youth Human Rights and Social Justice Advocate, with a background in law from Hawassa University. as a Junior project officer, she is working in the design and implementation of different projects, in addition to this she assist Protection and Advocacy department as well. Her commitment to promoting justice and equality drives her to continuously strive for positive change in her society. Rediet has also acquired extensive experience in Participating and Organizing different moot court competitions, Human right advocacy and Inclusive peace building activities.
Junior Finance and Admin Officer
Natnael Tilahun
Natnael Tilahun, an honor student and recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance, and who is currently perusing his master’s degree in the same field has joined the EHRDC team as a Finance and Admin Assistant. His journey began as an intern where he demonstrated exceptional performance, leading to his subsequent hiring. Natnael brings not only academic excellence but also dedication and drive to his role, supporting the finance and administrative functions of the organization as a valued member of the team.