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Amhara Association of America Supports Bipartisan House Resolution Condemning Ethnic and Religious Killings in Ethiopia
Amhara Association of America
October 9, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC – The Amhara Association of America (AAA) commends a resolution introduced today in the US House of Representatives that deplores the “targeted violence and destruction of property directed against ethnic and religious minorities” in Ethiopia.
The resolution, led by House of Representatives Subcommittee on Foreign Affairs Chair for Africa Karen Bass (D-CA-37) and Senior Member Chris Smith (R-NJ-4), expresses concern about the various actions by government and non-state actors that threaten to destabilize Ethiopia. democratic transition. The other original co-sponsors of the resolution are Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA-3), Joe Wilson (R-SC-2) and Ron Wright (R-TX-6).
In addition to recognizing that “ethnic and religious minorities were the target of violent attacks, and [their] homes, businesses and religious institutions were destroyed ”, the resolution denounces the incitement and hate speech by individuals and organized groups in Ethiopia and the diaspora that fuel these attacks.
Other factors cited as contributing to Ethiopia’s instability include excessive use of force by the government against peaceful protesters and the continued detention of journalists, non-violent protesters and opposition figures, all of whom echo repressive tactics. used by the country’s previous regimes.
To promote respect for human rights and democratic progress in Ethiopia, the resolution calls on the Ethiopian Government to fully and transparently investigate the killings that took place in Oromia and other areas; resume dialogue with opposition parties on issues such as rescheduling national elections; and consider transitional justice approaches to help resolve inter-community grievances.
The resolution also calls on the Ethiopian government to respect the due process rights of all those who have been arrested during the recent riots; allow Ethiopians to exercise their constitutional rights to peaceful freedom of assembly and of the press.
Finally, the resolution calls on the United States government to foster dialogue among Ethiopians on political issues, unfreeze the foreign assistance to Ethiopia recently withheld due to the GERD negotiations, and at the same time support an equitable settlement for all countries involved, consider applying sanctions to Ethiopia’s human rights violators and supporting increased investment by the US private sector in Ethiopia.
“Deadly attacks against Amharas, Agaws, Christian Oromos and other communities in Ethiopia are increasing at an alarming rate,” said Tewodrose Tirfe, president of AAA. “We applaud President Bass, Featured Member Smith, and the other original co-sponsors for drawing attention to this targeted violence and condemning those who fan the flames of hatred in Ethiopia and across the diaspora. AAA hopes to help increase the number of bipartisan co-sponsors of the resolution in the coming weeks. ”
The full text of the resolution can be read here.
Media contact:
Tewodrose (Ted) Tirfe, President of the Amhara Association of America
About AAA: The Amhara Association of America (AAA) is a non-profit organization that coordinates the advocacy efforts of the Ethiopian Amhara diaspora in the United States before Congress, the Executive Branch, non-governmental organizations and international organizations. Visit www.amharaamerica.org for more information.
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