Constitution of The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

PREAMBLE

We, the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples of Ethiopia:

Strongly committed, in full and free exercise of our right to self-determination, to

building a political community founded on the rule of law and capable of ensuring

a lasting peace, guaranteeing a democratic order, and advancing our economic

and social development;

Firmly convinced that the fulfillment of this objective requires full respect of

individual and people’s fundamental freedoms and rights, to live together on the

basis of equality and without any sexual, religious or cultural discrimination;

Further convinced that by continuing to live with our rich and proud cultural

legacies in territories we have long inhabited, have, through continuous

interaction on various levels and forms of life, built up common interest and have

also contributed to the emergence of a common outlook;

Fully cognizant that our common destiny can best be served by rectifying

historically unjust relationships and by further promoting our shared interests;

Convinced that to live as one economic community is necessary in order to create

sustainable and mutually supportive conditions for ensuring respect for our rights

and freedoms and for the collective promotion of our interests;

Determined to consolidate, as a lasting legacy, the peace and the prospect of a

democratic order which our struggles and sacrifices have brought about;

Have therefore adopted, on 8 December 1994 this constitution through

representatives we have duly elected for this purpose as an instrument that binds

us in a mutual commitment to fulfill the objectives and the principles set forth

above.

Download here