wondesen hailemarayam
Posted on 18 Mar 2010 10:51 am (Report this annotation)

15/03/2010 Statement with Regard to the Human Rights Violations in Ethiopia

Ethiopian Community Members in GB

Dear Sir/Madam

We are writing to you regarding the serious and widespread human rights crisis in Ethiopia, which has created a disaster for many millions of people. Meless Zenawi, the leader of the separatist group, Called TPLF has been committing shocking atrocities against the innocent people of Ethiopia. Killing, torturing and imprisoning is the order of the day. Intentionally encourages ethnic conflicts and as a result hundreds of thousands of people displaced and persecuted. Looting and corruption are rampant. Recognising the above-mentioned facts, Genocide Watch requested an investigation by the UN High Commissioner of Human rights for the crimes committed against humanity in Ethiopia. Mr. Zenawi has not only committed Genocide in Ethiopia but also collaborated with other criminal killers in the Sudan. He has confirmed this by defending Al- basher and condemning the issued arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Zenawi and his separatist army grabbed power taking advantage of the unpopular Military regime and the end of the cold war in 1991 which enabled it to manifest its hidden and evil acts against the whole nation. Ethiopians have suffered a lot and saddened by the continuous human right violation and vandalism. The regime is troublesome for the long-term stability of the Horn of Africa and will negatively affect healthy global collaboration and security. The UK needs to stand closely with the victims of the Ethiopian people and deny all forms of grants, concessional or soft loans that include military training and equipment supplies.

On 15 May 2005, Millions of Ethiopians went out in an overwhelming number and voted against Zenawi’s ruling group. Therefore, it is an illegitimate government and is in power through force and intimidation. The honourable Anna Gomes, the leader of the European Union Observers’ team has confirmed that the election was not a free and fair one and also officially condemned the barbaric killings of more than 200 opposition party members and innocent people right in the streets of Addis Ababa.

What is going on in Ethiopia is of great importance to British Ethiopians living in the UK as most of us still have families, friends and communities at home of origin. We have also learnt that Section 134 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 of U.K. authorizes the prosecution in Britain of any person who commits an act of torture anywhere in the world, as defined in the UN Convention against torture in 1984, which Britain has ratified and pledged to enforce. Accordingly we Ethiopians and British Citizens of Ethiopian origin are prepared to exercise our citizenship rights if Mr. Zenawi wants to come to London at any time in the future.

We strongly believe that relationships should be built between people of countries but not with dictators like Meles Zenawi. Understanding this fact will greatly help us to create stability, improve security and development not only in Ethiopia but also in Africa and the rest of the world. It is very important that Britain to take action against this brutal regime and stand by the side of our eternal people. We kindly ask you to join us in solidarity for the people Ethiopia so as to move the issue for further discussions at higher level by supporting an Early Day Motion (EDM) to institute peace, democracy and justice.

With my highest regards

Sincerely yours