US Congress: Vote on H.Res 128
Support Respect for Human Rights in Ethiopia
October 12, 2017
The Honorable Paul Ryan Speaker of the House H-232 The
Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Ryan,
We are writing to underscore the importance of House
Resolution (H.Res.) 128 and the need to bring it to a vote as soon as
possible. The resolution, which calls
for respect for human rights and encourages inclusive governance in Ethiopia,
has strong bipartisan support with 71 co-sponsors. It passed the Foreign Affairs Committee
unanimously on July 27, 2017 and was scheduled for a vote on October 2nd. However, on Thursday, September 28, the
measure was removed from the calendar without explanation.
Last week, a Member of Congress publicly stated that
H.Res.128 had been pulled due to threats by the Ethiopian government that if
the House proceeded with a vote, Ethiopia would withdraw as a partner on
regional counterterrorism efforts.
Ethiopia has long been an important security ally of the
United States and continues to receive financial, intelligence and military
assistance. However, its worsening human
rights record, which includes a brutal crackdown on dissent since 2015 and near
elimination of democratic space in the country, has introduced profound
instability in the region. The US has long seen a stable and prosperous
Ethiopia as crucial to the effectiveness of its counterterrorism efforts.
We believe H.Res.128 represents an important and long
overdue response to Ethiopia’s heavyhanded tactics against largely peaceful
protests that began in Oromia in 2015 and later spread to the Amhara region in
2016. Together these regions represent around 70 percent of the population of
Ethiopia. They indicate a widespread grassroots desire for reform in the
country.
A strong, unambiguous signal from the US demanding concrete
reforms is required to avert crisis and to create a path toward sustainable
regional stability. The passage of H.Res.128 represents an important first step
in that direction and should not be derailed by last-minute bullying tactics.
This would not be the first time the government of Ethiopia has made threats of
this nature and it is worth noting they have never been carried through.
The resolution raises a number of important recommendations
that could benefit both Ethiopia and the United States in their
counterterrorism partnership while encouraging the government of Ethiopia to
take steps to open up civic space, ensure accountability for human rights
abuses, and promote inclusive governance.
We believe the resolution should be placed back on the House
agenda and voted on as soon as possible in order to show support for the people
of Ethiopia in their desire to have a stable, prosperous and democratic
country.
Sincerely,
Amhara Association of America
Amnesty International USA
Center for Justice and Accountability
Ethiopia Human Rights Project
Freedom House
Human Rights Watch
Oromo Advocacy Alliance
Solidarity Movement for a New Ethiopia
Cc: The Honorable Ed Royce
The Honorable Mac Thornberry
The Honorable Chris Smith
The Honorable Karen Bass
The Honorable Mike Coffman
The Honorable Robin Kelly
The Honorable Marc Veasey
The Honorable Keith Ellison
