A/HRC/4/9/Add.3 page 23 House has 20 seats reserved for minorities; however it is unclear which groups qualify for representation under this “set-aside” provision. There are nine standing committees in the House, of which two are chaired by members of minority parties. 83. Despite devolution of power to ethnic groups under article 39 of the Constitution, the independent expert encountered persistent criticism that the TPLF/EPRDF central party is undermining democratic processes and exerting undue influence and control over state and federal affairs. Accusations that peaceful and democratic rights and activities of independent political parties are being restricted, including via arbitrary detention of political opponents and other illegal measures, require an immediate response from the Government in order to re-establish confidence in democratic processes amongst diverse ethnic constituencies. A human rights advocate in Addis Ababa stated that: “Everyone’s hope to go against something has died. The Government has achieved its aim.” 84. The Government is commended for attention to and data on women’s participation in political structures.21 While the total percentage of seats on regional councils held by women in all regions is 27.61 per cent, it is notable that there is a marked difference between states. While in Tigray 48.68 per cent of council seats are held by women, in Gambella the figure is 14.63 per cent, and in Somali it is only 3.27 per cent. While traditional gender and family roles and cultural practices help to explain low levels of female participation in some regions, it is evident that attention is required to ensure the adequate representation of all ethnic groups on state and federal political bodies, and that the participation of minority women in particular is promoted. 85. The independent expert expressed concern that members of ethnic groups who have migrated to a region or been relocated, often in large numbers, may be excluded from political office due to not being native to the region and/or lack of knowledge of local official languages. Tensions may result from resentment over de facto exclusion from political processes, since ethnically-based political parties are unlikely to fully represent the interests of other ethnic communities. The independent expert encourages mechanisms which ensure wider representation of politically excluded groups. A constitutional expert in Addis Ababa said: “Other groups are just migrants to the region and so have less rights. If you are an Anuak in Harari you cannot wield power, you have to go back to Gambella.” Civil society and the national human rights institution 86. Civil society groups have reflected some difficulties in pursuing aspects of work relating to particular ethnic groups or issues that are perceived as overly political or politically motivated. 21 The website of the House of Federation (www.hofethiopia.org) provides information on the gender and ethnicity of members of the House according to region and also details of female participation in regional state councils. Of the 548 seats of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, 116 are currently occupied by women.