Ethiopian activists and religious freedom advocates gathered to discuss the need for action to prevent further deaths in Ethiopia

Washington, DC, USA - December 2, 2024 —

Members of the Ethiopian diaspora and human rights activists gathered to discuss the need for coordinated actions they can take with the new administration and Congress to help bring pressure on the Ethiopian government to protect human rights in Ethiopia.

United for Human Rights provided materials on the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights which were distributed to attendees. These materials are also available for free by mail or can be downloaded from www.humanrights.com. The materials, which provide an education in human rights according to the UN Universal Declaration, are available in 17 languages, and include educator’s packages for schools and other educational settings.

Human rights violations in the Amhara region of Ethiopia have escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with reports of violence and the displacement of civilians who have fled actual and threatened violence, according to the European Commission. Compounding the situation are environmental hazards and epidemic outbreaks.

The Amhara people are an ethnic group in Ethiopia that makes up about one-fourth of the country’s population. According to Human Rights Watch, the Amhara people were targeted by the military when armed conflict broke out in August 2023, with federal forces committing numerous abuses with impunity. One example is the attack in Merawi, a town in the Amhara region, on January 29, 2024, in which scores of civilians were killed. 

Those killed on 29 January 2024 were honored with a moment of silence at the beginning of the event hosted by Church of Scientology. Next on the agenda was a call for action.

Ms. Martha Selassie, the organizer of the event, called for “an immediate ceasefire and protection for civilians, accountability, justice, and urgent humanitarian aid to the internally displaced people.” She further stated, “The violence against the Amhara people is a deeply tragic and complex chapter in Ethiopia’s modern history.” She urged attendees to call their members of Congress and members of the incoming administration to heighten their awareness of the situation facing the Ethiopian people.

Sylvia Stanard, speaking on behalf of the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office which co-hosted the event, urged individuals to read and understand the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Ms. Stanard said, “Among the 30 human rights declared that are applicable are the right to life, the right to assembly, and the right to freedom of religion.”

Eighty-two percent of the population of the Amhara religion are Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. Christian churches in Ethiopia have been attacked and burned or vandalized, according to Voice of America. 

During the event, other speakers offered a history of Ethiopia, insight into humanitarian issues and the need to have US Congressional support to protect human rights within the civilian population.

All were encouraged to read the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to educate others on it.

Speakers and special guests at Ethiopia awareness event

About the company: The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office represents the Church of Scientology in the Nation's Capital and works with many organizations to improve human rights, criminal law reform, drug education, and religious freedom internationally.

Contact Info:
Name: Sylvia Stanard
Email: Send Email
Organization: Church of Scientology National Affairs Office
Website: http://www.scientology.org

Video URL: https://www.humanrights.com/videos/introduction

Release ID: 89146924

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