ECSOC is a statutory organization established under the Organizations of Civil Societies Proclamation No. 1113/2019 in March 2019. ECSOC is the apex body legally representing over 4,000 civil society organizations, consortia, and associations.
The Council operates as a wholly independent institution with a mandate to represent and coordinate the CSO sector in Ethiopia.
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, peacebuilding, etc.