Africa
Ethiopia.
Ethiopia's Criminal Code of 2004 includes an offense of failing to lend aid to a person in grave peril when help could be given without risk. Proclamation No. 1113/2019 on civil society organizations lists fostering philanthropy and volunteerism among the objectives of the regulating Agency and creates a Civil Societies Fund. Government ministries run national volunteer service programs for young people.
Is there a legal duty to help a stranger?
LimitedArticle 575 of the Criminal Code (headed Failure to Lend Aid to Another in the English translation) punishes whoever intentionally leaves without help a person in imminent and grave peril of life, person or health, when assistance could have been given without risk to himself or third parties, with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months or a fine. The penalty is higher where the criminal injured the victim or was under a professional or contractual obligation to help. Article 537 separately covers refusal of medical services by professionals.
Are people who help protected?
None foundNo statute giving legal protection to people who help in good faith was found in this review. Article 575 itself limits the duty to cases where help is possible without risk to the helper or third parties.
How the government promotes giving and service
Ways to give and volunteer
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society is the main national volunteer body, and many other groups work under a 2019 law that requires registration with a government agency. Stick to registered organizations and confirm current rules.
Check a charity before you give
The federal agency that registers and supervises civil society organizations; ask it or the group to confirm registration.
Give your time
Give money, blood or a donation
In an emergency or a crisis
Before you act
- Civil society groups must be registered and follow rules on funding and reporting, and foreign funding and foreign organizations face extra rules, so check before raising or sending money.
- Foreign visitors should volunteer only through a registered organization and ask about permit requirements first.
- Avoid anyone collecting cash in person or by personal mobile money, and look for travel advisories in conflict areas.
This list does not cover local community groups, religious charities or private hospitals. Checked 2026-10-28. Listing an organization is not an endorsement, and none of them has endorsed this site. Some official sites block automatic checks, so a link may need a second try.
One thing worth knowing
The 2019 Proclamation names volunteerism as an objective of the regulator, and also funds it, while a separate ministry-led national service program places youth in communities.
What this does not mean
The Criminal Code text relied on is an English translation; the Amharic text is authoritative and wording may differ. The brief's reference to the Ethiopian Red Cross was not verified from primary sources and is omitted. This guide does not assess how these provisions are applied in practice, and is not legal advice. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice, and it does not rank countries. No government named here has endorsed this site. Not reviewed by a lawyer. Statutes were read in public sources and may have changed. Last checked October 26, 2026.