ECSOC…Established under the Organizations of Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019 in March 2019. The first General Assembly of ECSOC was held on 31 December 2020 under the auspices of the ECSOC and the nominated 300 members in attendance democratically elected 21 EXCOM members who are responsible for coordinating and leading the Council in fulfilling its mandates. The Council is an important catalyst for establishing and maintaining an enabling environment for the inclusive participation and operation of non-state actors, allowing them to engage in any lawful activity, including democracy, human rights, elections and peace building, etc.

Vision
To see a vibrant, credible and influential civil society sector advocating for and protecting the rights and dignity of citizens

Mission
To Lead and Guide an Independent Civil Society Organization (CSO) Sector in its engagement with the people of Ethiopia.

Governance

General members of ECSOC

The Proclamation provides that the Council shall be governed by the full participation of “all” CSOs in Ethiopia and, further, that the Council shall “represent and coordinate the civil society sector”. This implies that ECSOC represents all CSOs in Ethiopia. In practice, however, membership of the Council is automatically conferred on all civil society organizations registered by ACSO and these members are bound by the provisions of the Council’s code of conduct. The Council’s bylaw provides that CSOs registered by regional governments can also become members of this Council by completing and submitting a registration form together with the prescribed membership fees. Admitted members will enjoy the full privileges of Council membership and, in addition, will be bound by the Code of Conduct. Council members are expected to participate in the flow of information and communication on relevant issues so as to create an enabling environment for CSOs.

The General Assembly of the Council

The General Assembly (GA) is the highest authority of the council and represents the entire member CSOs. Its powers and functions include approving, amending and changing the policies, bylaw and code of conduct of the Council; electing and revoking the election of the Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson and Secretary of the assembly; electing the Executive Committee (EXCOM) from among its members including the President and Vice-Presidents of the EXCOM; conducting annual general meetings of the GA; approving the strategic plan, annual plan and budget of the council as well as the performance report prepared by the EXCOM; and, preparing and approving guidelines for the representation of organizations in the council.

The Executive Committee

The EXCOM has the powers and functions to examine and approve the annual performance report prepared by the Secretariat and submit it to the General Assembly; ensure the delivery of adequate service to members; provide capacity building support and relevant information for members; ensure that the financial activities of the council are carried out in accordance with the financial policies and procedures; appoint or revoke the appointment of the executive director and chief executive officer of the Secretariat; and determine the salary scale and other benefits of the staff of the Secretariat.

The ECSOC Secretariat

Ethiopian civil society organizations council (ECSOC) is statutory operating as a wholly independent institution. As per CSOs Proclamation 113/2019, the council has the following power & functions:

I. Enact the Code of Conduct for the sector and devise enforcement mechanisms

II. Advise ACSO on the registration and administration of CSOs,

III. Represent and coordinate the civil society sector