The undersigned civil society
organizations applaud U.S. Representatives Chris Smith, Keith Ellison and Mike
Coffman for introducing House Resolution 861, entitled “Supporting human rights
and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia.”
H.Res.861,
introduced today as companion legislation to S.Res.432, addresses the ongoing
human rights abuses and political instability in Ethiopia. It condemns the
killing and arbitrary arrest of protesters and calls on the Ethiopian
government to conduct a full, credible and transparent investigation into the
killing and excessive use of force against protesters in the Amhara and Oromia
regions. It also urges the Ethiopian government to allow the UN to conduct an
independent examination of the human rights situation in Ethiopia. The
resolution calls on the U.S. Government to conduct a review of its security
assistance to Ethiopia in light of recent developments and to develop
immediately a comprehensive strategy to improve good governance in Ethiopia.
We believe
that this resolution is a powerful call to action to promote national and
international accountability and redress for the egregious human rights abuses
perpetrated by Ethiopian government security forces during recent protests in
the Amhara and Oromia regions. The resolution adds to efforts by Ethiopians in
Ethiopia and around the world to bring about democratic reforms, inclusive
governance, and respect for human rights in Ethiopia. By specifically
instructing the Department of State and USAID to improve oversight and
accountability of U.S. assistance to Ethiopia, the resolution highlights the
obligation of donor countries to ensure that aid given to the government of
Ethiopia is not used to suppress the legitimate demands of citizens for
accountable government and equal representation at all levels of the political
structure.
We express
our support for this resolution and the intent behind it, which is to focus
attention on helping the Ethiopian people and the Ethiopian government find a
path forward out of the deepening human rights crisis. We encourage members of
the House to support H.Res.861 and urge members of the Senate to support
S.Res.432, the companion resolution introduced by Senators Cardin and Rubio in
April.
Signed,
Africa Faith
& Justice Network
Amnesty
International USA
Association
of Concerned Africa Scholars
Ethiopia
Human Rights Project
Freedom House
Freedom Now
Human Rights
Watch
Oromo
Advocacy Alliance
Robert F.
Kennedy Human Rights
Solidarity
Movement for New Ethiopia
Torture Abolition
and Survivors Support Coalition
Source: amnestyusa.org
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