A group of experts from the United Nations Human Rights Commission wee in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Saturday (1 August) to hear evidence concerning the violation of human rights in southern Africa.

The group's mandate includes such subjects as investigating the treatment of political prisoners and captured freedom fighters, the effects of apartheid and colonialism, infringements of trade union rights, and capital punishment.

Chairman for the Addis Ababa hearings was Professor Felix Ermacora, from Austria, and the remaining five members of the team are made up of legal experts from Europe, South America and Africa. The Human Rights Commission has been hearing evidence concerning Southern Africa for several years. During the president investigations hearings will be held in eleven countries in Europe and Africa.

In Addis Ababa evidence was heard from a number of witnesses including Mr Paul Kaniago, a Ugandan trade Union Official. Testimony was also given by Mr. William Nalulu from Namibia -- the territory of South West Africa controlled by South Africa. The countries under investigation include Namibia, Southern Rhodesia, Angola, Mozambique and Guinea Bissau. The Group hopes to produce a detailed report on its finding in 1971.