Ethiopia on item V 9th session of the Forum on Minority Issues - ohchr 24/25 November 2016 Unites Nations - Geneva Thank you very much Mr Chairperson. Ethiopia is indeed pleased to take part in this Forum under the theme of minorities in situation of humanitarian crises. The government of Ethiopia is committed to ensuring that the provisions of our federal democratic constitution in the regard of the rights of minorities are not only fully respected but are also implemented without restrictions whatsoever. This is not only [needed] to normal circumstances and it is also in humanitarian crises as we witness by the draught that has affected the country today as we speak. Not only Ethiopia proven that it has resilience capacity to withstand the devastating consequences of the draught, which is the worst in the 50 years history of the draught situations in the country. It is indeed success providing all humanitarian relief and assistance to all sections of the population including the minorities in the draught stricken parts of the country. Moreover, Ethiopia is hosting more than 800,000 refugees from all of its neighbouring states, which again includes minorities, with our longstanding traditional hospitality. That is also repeatedly recognised by the global humanitarian agencies such as UNHCR […] Mr Chairperson some organisations are participating by slightly changing their names they are affiliates to the so-called Ogaden Rights Organisation and Ogaden Young Women’s Group are part of an outlawed and terrorist organisation. In fact, these organisations are exploiting the Forum for their hidden political agenda, that is to: destabilise Ethiopia an unholy collaboration with some state and non-state actors within and outside of our region. Finally, we call upon the organisers of this Forum to be cautious when selecting the NGOs participating to be […] their accreditation status fit for this […] Forum. Thank you.