Economic and Social Rights (ESRs) are fundamental for a dignified human existence, yet their judicial enforcement remains limited for legal and institutional challenges. National Human Rights Intuitions (NHRIs) present a viable option for advancing ESRs, as they are uniquely positioned at the intersection of governments, civil society, and marginalized communities. Against the backdrop of rising poverty and inflation rates in Ethiopia, this research critically examines the practices of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in promoting and protecting ESRs. The study evaluates the ways and extent to which the EHRC effectively fulfills its mandate in ensuring the realization of ESRs. Using a comparative analysis with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the research explores how regional best practices can strengthen the EHRC’s ESRs monitoring capacity. Adopting a mixed methods evaluation research design, the qualitative component reviews normative and conceptual frameworks relevant to the role of NHRIs in advancing ESRs and incorporates interviews with EHRC’s staffs and other stakeholders to assess the Commission’s institutional practices and challenges. Whereas the quantitative aspect complements the analysis through a descriptive analysis of trends in ESRs related complaints. Findings reveal that, the EHRC has undertaken notable initiatives such as contributing to the drafting of the Business and Human Rights National Action Plan, education and health legislations and engaging with regional and international human rights mechanisms. The Commission’s thematic monitoring and follow up mechanisms on ESRs demonstrate a commendable institutional strength. However, its monitoring and engagement on ESRs remains largely qualitative and reactive. The Commission lacks explicit statutory obligations to inquire and report on ESRs. Absence of systematic use of quantitative indexes, public inquires, institutionalized ESRs based budget analysis and power to institute judicial proceedings hinder its capacity. Moreover, its effectiveness is constrained by limited resources, and the absence of structured collaboration and data-sharing frameworks. ESRs-related complaints remain below 10% of total cases. In contrast, the SAHRC and KNCHR demonstrate robust and proactive ESR monitoring systems, including public inquiries, ESRs based budget analysis, and data as well as monitoring partnerships. These comparative practices reveal the importance of structured methodologies, fiscal analysis, and participatory monitoring mechanisms in strengthening accountability and policy influence. The study concludes that for the EHRC to become an effective guardian of ESRs, it must institutionalize quantitative monitoring, adopt budget and resource analysis frameworks, enhance collaboration with civil society and statistical agencies, and develop dedicated ESRs education. Legal reform to explicitly mandate ESRs promotion and protection under the EHRC Establishment Proclamation is essential to a better implementation of ESRs in Ethiopia.