Established in 2005 by 7 very experienced laweyers with a passionate interest in working for the implementation of human rights and improving democracy formerly known as Forum for Human Rights and Development which onwards started to be called Center of Concern,Ethiopia (COC) is a local Ethiopian NGO,based in Hawassa.

COC is a founding member of Council for Democracy and Human Rights Association established as a group of NGOs working at federal level and a member of Poverty Action Network of Civil Society Organazations.

COC has been registered in september 2005 by the Justice Bureau of the Southern Nations Nationalities Peoples' Region as a nor-for-profit indigenous organization.The Center's humanitarian activity mainly focuses on Women's right protection and their equality before the law,the protector of children's rights which are enshrined under Domestic and International legal documents.Besides,the Center works for the protection of the rights of prisoners and disabled people.

COC takes part in anti HIV/AIDS activities through awareness creation,support as well as advocacy in the fight against stigma and discrimination.The Center gives priority on creating awareness in the society about the rights of PLWHA and works in collaboration with other similar organization for the practical implementation of these rights.