Community-Based Rehabilitation of Offenders: An Overview of Probation and Parole in Ethiopia

Abstract

States have nowadays realized that it is imperative to devise community based rehabilitation of offenders (probation and parole system) in dealing with offenders as most are now faced with the problem of recidivism and prison congestion. This article explores the gap between the theory and practice of probation and parole systems in Ethiopia based on primary sources, comparative insights and analysis of relevant laws. The article shows that while there are stipulated rules available in Ethiopia for release of offenders on probation and parole, these remain meaningless in the absence of organs meant to supervise parolees and probationers. It reveals the fact that the probation and parole systems have been a neglected area of criminal justice system in Ethiopia. It is noted that while the law allows for the use of probation, there is no adequate institutional facilities to implement it.