The Role of the Police in Protecting Human Rights against Technology-Oriented Crimes: the Case of Lideta Sub-City

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Date

2024-09

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Addis Ababa Unversity

Abstract

The rise in technological crimes like online fraud, cyberbullying, hacking, and spreading false information has posed major obstacles for Human right. This research, centered on Lideta Sub-City in Ethiopia, examines the role of the police in safeguarding human rights from breaches. The study utilized a qualitative approach, conducting in-depth interviews with 22 police officers and 15 technology-related crime victims. Thematic analysis was used to evaluate the typical offenses, their effect on human rights, and the difficulties encountered by law enforcement. Furthermore, police reports and crime records were examined as additional sources of data to support the results. The findings indicate that prevalent technology-related offenses in Lideta Sub-City consist of hacking, cyberbullying, financial fraud, and deliberately spreading fake news. Police officers recognized the increasing difficulty of these crimes due to outdated technology and inadequate cybercrime legislation. Around three-quarters of the police officers who were interviewed were team leaders, with 73% being male and having an average age of 35.6 years. Informant mentioned that the lack of proper training and resources was impeding their capability to investigate and prevent such crimes efficiently. Those who were harmed voiced worries about breaches of their privacy, freedom to speak, and safety, with certain individuals experiencing monetary damages from internet scams. This research emphasizes the pressing importance of enhancing technological capabilities, making legal reforms, and providing specialized training to empower law enforcement in protecting human rights. Additionally, it suggests utilizing a multi-stakeholder strategy that includes community education initiatives, partnering with tech professionals, and creating proactive plans to combat the increasing risk of technology-based crimes in Ethiopia. The results highlight the necessity of granting authority to law enforcement to adequately address these crimes, thus safeguarding citizens' rights in the digital era.

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Keywords

Technological crime, Human rights, Police, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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