Sylvia Stanard, representing United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights, emphasized the universal nature of human rights while detailing severe violations in Ethiopia, particularly regarding religious freedom. Stanard noted challenges in drawing international attention to Ethiopia's crisis amid other global conflicts and urged proactive education of policymakers and media. She directed those seeking more information on human rights education to https://www.humanrights.com.
Ato Yilkal Getnet, in his address titled "Ethnic Federalism and the Crisis in Ethiopia," argued that Ethiopia's constitutionally enshrined ethnic federalism is a root cause of political fragmentation and social unrest. He stated that this system prioritizes ethnic identity over a collective national identity, leading to weakened political and social cohesion, with the Amhara people suffering disproportionately from political repression and harmful narratives.
Abel Gashe, a leader in Ethiopian American organizations, highlighted the mass killings and massacres targeting Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Amharas, describing the situation as religious genocide. Gashe reported that in the last two to three months, more than fifty Orthodox Christians have been killed, churches have been burned, and worshippers have been massacred, citing recent incidents in Arsie and Wollega. He called upon the Ethiopian government to defend its citizens and stop the killings, emphasizing the state's duty to protect peace and prevent senseless violence.
Mr. Scott Morgan, head of the International Religious Freedom's Africa Working Group, warned that Ethiopia's crisis risks being overshadowed by other conflicts but remains equally serious. He noted that while situations in Syria, Ukraine, and Gaza dominate global attention, and Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are focal points for the Trump Administration, the crisis in Northern Ethiopia demands urgent advocacy and intervention.
The conference, organized and emceed by Mr. Mesfin Mekonen, author of the Washington Update bulletin on Ethiopia's struggles, concluded with calls for the international community to prioritize Ethiopia's human rights violations, support meaningful dialogue, and advocate for policies aligned with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to restore stability and justice.
