Author: Blene Woldeselasse, MSc
January 28, 2025
![Muslim students protest hijab ban in Axum, citing violations of religious and educational rights. [Image source: Addis Standard]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_e795157b09524c339e55f79db7005442~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_48,h_27,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/e28a6b_e795157b09524c339e55f79db7005442~mv2.png)
HRRC condemns the discrimination against students who wear the hijab. We advocate for religious freedom and freedom of expression, and call upon the Ethiopian government to end the hijab ban in Axum. Students must be allowed to return to school, ensuring their right to education.
The Ethiopian city of Axum, renowned for its rich history and UNESCO World Heritage status, is now mired in controversy over religious intolerance. A peaceful protest organized by the Tigray Islamic Affairs Supreme Council took place on January 21 in Mekelle to advocate for Muslim girls barred from schools in Axum for wearing hijabs.
Out of the 15 schools in Axum, four have banned girls from wearing hijabs. This policy comes at a critical time for many students, particularly those preparing for their school-leaving examinations. Such actions directly contradict the Regional Education Bureau's directives, which explicitly permit students to wear religious attire in schools and defy Axum court rulings suspending the directives by these schools. This raises a pressing question: why are schools in Axum defying these regulations?
Opinions on the issue are sharply divided. Some parents and educators claim the ban reflects a long-standing tradition, arguing that schools should focus on education rather than serve as platforms for religious expression. In contrast, others, including the parents of affected students, assert this is the first time such restrictions have been enforced in Axum.
The situation is particularly dire given Ethiopia's broader educational challenges. The country is grappling with instability in various regions, leaving an estimated 9 million children out of school, according to UNICEF, with 1.2 million of them in the Tigray region alone. For students in Axum, who already lost two years of education due to conflict, being forced to choose between their religious beliefs and their education exacerbates an already dire situation.
Violation of Children’s Rights
The hijab ban contravenes several articles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), to which Ethiopia is a signatory. Relevant articles include:
Article 2: Protection against discrimination.
Article 3: The best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.
Article 28: The right to education.
Article 29: The aim of education is to develop respect for human rights, cultural identity, and religious values.
Article 30: The right of minority children to practice their culture, religion, and language.
The Tigray region, which experienced significant loss of life and infrastructure during its two-year conflict with the central government, now faces another setback. Muslim girls in Axum are being denied a basic right to education, forcing them to relive a time of exclusion and adversity.
Education is vital for rebuilding Tigray and securing Ethiopia’s future, and policies that hinder access undermine the region’s recovery efforts. HRRC firmly believes in the universal right to education, as outlined in Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. HRRC urges stakeholders to ensure that every child, regardless of their religion or background, can pursue education without discrimination.
Glossary
Adversity: Hardship or difficulty faced in life or circumstances.
Contravenes: To violate or conflict with a law or rule.
Exacerbates: To worsen a problem or negative condition.
Hijab: A head covering worn by many Muslim women, symbolizing faith and modesty.
Infrastructure: Basic facilities and systems essential for society, like transportation and utilities.
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
UNICEF: United Nations Children’s Fund
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