“ Having achieved the leadership of the Workers' Party of Ethiopia, which is the fruit of our bitter struggle, we the working people of Ethiopia are now in a reliable situation for attaining our objective by developing our political culture. Accordingly, while upholding the trust of our forefathers, we are extensively engaged in the historic task of building the new social order. The completion of the setting up of the new political system is a prerequisite for our efforts to yield fruit, thereby enabling us to attain our objective. ”

“ Much as we have been struggling for our independence and unity in the past, so also today we have reached the present favourable period for rapid social progress by struggling for the attainment of our objectives under the banner of "Revolutionary Motherland or Death!" ”

“ Ethiopia, the home of a brilliant ancient civilization, has been an independent state which has existed in continuity for many thousands of years.
The Ethiopian state has existed as a multinational state. Its nationalities and diverse communities have forged a unity through cultural intercourse, migrations, commerce and similar interactions in times of peace as well as in times of war. Therefore, Ethiopia's long history of independence has been the history of the united existence and common struggle of her nationalities. ”

“ Our primary concern at present being development, the overall objective is to lay the material and technical basis necessary for the construction of socialism by completing the National Democratic Revolution. However, since anti-revolutionary and anti-socialist imperialist and reactionary forces would not refrain from attempting to obstruct our genuine march on the path of progress, withstanding their efforts constitutes another front of our struggle. ”

“ On the other hand, the working people of Ethiopia, having passed through different socio-economic systems in the course of their long history, have, in the process, experienced bitter class oppression and exploitation. ”

“ The contradictions within the system having intensified with the emergence of capitalism and the people having reached a stage where they could no longer bear the burden of oppression, the feudal system was overthrown through the great sacrifices made by the progressive sections of the society. ”

“ The state and society shall, through the provision of various social services and other forms of assistance, care for the family, as it is the basis of society The state and society shall pay special attention to the upgrading of children in order that they grow up as citizens imbued with a scientific outlook, morally, intellectually and physically strong, with love for their country and committed to socialism. ”

“ Ethiopians are guaranteed freedom of conscience and religion. The exercise of freedom of religion may not be in a manner contrary to the interest of the State and the revolution, public morality or the freedom of other citizens. ”

“ The state may, where public interest so requires, purchase, requisition by making appropriate payment, or nationalize upon payment of compensation, any property in accordance with the law.
Article 18
Labour is an honourable source of wealth and well-being of the society. The social standing of any person shall be determined by his work. The state shall progressively ensure the realization of the principle "from each according to his ability to each according to his work." The state shall see to it that society's dedicated to work, know-how and creativity are enhanced. ”

“ No People's Deputy shall be arrested or prosecuted without the permission of the National Shengo or, between sessions, without that of the Council of State, except when caught flagrante delicto for a serious offence. No People's Deputy may be questioned or prosecuted for opinions expressed at sessions of the Shengo and its organs. ”

“ Mass organizations are forums for the participation of the people in the country's political, economic, social and cultural life. They shall participate in the formulation and implementation of state policy. ”

“ The state shall ensure that the ecological balance is maintained and, by ensuring the conservation and development of natural resources, particularly land, water, forest and wildlife, it shall guarantee their utilization for the benefit of the working people. ”

“ The State shall provide women with special support, particularly in education, training and employment so that they may participate in political, economic, social and cultural affairs on an equal basis with men. ”

“ Ethiopians have the duty to safeguard and care for socialist property. Ethiopians have the duty to participate in state and societal endevours to safeguard, care for, collect and utilize historical memorabilia and cultural heritage. Ethiopians have the duty to protect and conserve nature and natural resources, especially to develop forests and to protect and care for soil and water resources. ”

“ Any accused person has the right to defend himself or appoint a defence counsel. Where a person is charged with a serious offence and his inability to appoint a defence counsel is established, the state shall appoint one for him free of charge, as determined by law. ”

“ The State shall build a highly interdependent and integrated national economy; it shall strengthen the economic relationship between rural and urban areas as well as between the periphary and the centre. ”

“ Article 45
No person criminally accused of violating the law shall be considered guilty unless it is to so determined by a court. The criminal law does not apply retroactively unless it favours the accused. ”

“ Ethiopians are guaranteed freedom of speech, press, assembly, peaceful demonstration and association. The State shall provide the necessary material and moral support for the exercise of these freedoms. ”

“ Everyone has the duty to give legal testimony except against himself or as may be prescribed by law; however, no violence or pressure may be applied to compel a person to testify. Any testimony obtained by violence or pressure shall be null and void. ”

“ Ethiopians have the duty to work by respecting their responsibilities and work discipline, caring for property and raising production in their respective fields of endeavour, recognizing that labour is socially useful and is the basis of human life and that he who works benefits therefrom. ”

“ Ethiopians have the right to free education. The State shall progressively ensure compulsory education for school age children and expand schools and vocational institutions of various types and levels. ”

“ Article 43
Ethiopians are guaranteed inviolability of the person. Ethiopians are guaranteed inviolability of the home. No one may enter the home of another against his will, except as prescribed by law. ”

“ On account of Ethiopia's strategic location at the cross-roads linking the continents of Africa, Asia, and Europe, the fertility of her soil and the great rivers that originate inside her territory, foreigners have made various attempts to invade and divide her up. ”

“ No person may be arrested except in flagrante delicto, or by the order of procurator, or by a court decision, or as may be prescribed by law. Any arrested person shall be produced in court within 48 hours ”