WASHINGTON – Your organization can play an important role in strengthening the 50-State Strategy, an initiative we launched last year to mobilize Ethiopian Americans across the United States to contact their elected representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The goal is to raise awareness of Ethiopia’s deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation and urge U.S. policymakers to take meaningful action.
We are particularly concerned about reports of ongoing atrocities in the Arsi region of Oromia, including the killings of innocent Amhara civilians, attacks against Ethiopian Orthodox Christians, the burning and destruction of churches, and the destruction of civilian property by armed groups. These reported abuses demand urgent attention and a stronger response from the international community. Innocent civilians must be protected, religious institutions must be respected, and those responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable.
Through this coordinated, nationwide effort, we can strengthen our collective voice in Washington, encourage Congress to pay greater attention to the ongoing suffering of the Ethiopian people, and urge U.S. policymakers to pursue meaningful measures to protect vulnerable communities, promote accountability, support democratic reforms, and uphold the rule of law in Ethiopia.
I firmly believe that by working together and mobilizing Ethiopian-American communities in all 50 states, we can make a significant difference. Your organization’s participation would be invaluable in expanding this initiative, engaging more community members, and ensuring that the concerns of Ethiopians are heard by their elected officials.
I encourage your organization to join us in this important nationwide advocacy effort. Please help distribute the letter-writing campaign below to your members and supporters, encouraging them to contact their respective U.S. representatives and senators. Every letter, phone call, and message can help bring greater attention to the crisis and demonstrate that Ethiopian Americans across the country are united in calling for human rights, justice, peace, and democracy.
Together, we can transform our shared concern into meaningful advocacy and action. By raising our voices collectively, we can help advance the cause of human rights, protect innocent civilians, and support a peaceful and democratic future for Ethiopia.
Thank you again for your support and for considering this important initiative.
Best regards,
Mesfin Mekonen
Dear Senator/ Representative
On behalf of concerned Ethiopian Americans and the voiceless people of Ethiopia, I would like to express our profound gratitude for your longstanding commitment to addressing Ethiopia’s deteriorating human rights situation. Your tireless efforts demonstrate your courage and unwavering dedication to defending human dignity, freedom, and justice.
Your willingness to confront difficult realities and speak out against abuses has given hope to countless Ethiopians who continue to suffer from violence, persecution, and the denial of their fundamental rights. We are deeply indebted to you for your leadership and advocacy, and we sincerely thank you for standing with the voiceless people of Ethiopia.
Urgent Concerns Regarding the Human Rights and Humanitarian Crisis in the Arsi Region
Please see the BBC news report (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm4g175dgdx2o) which provides further information about the deeply troubling and heartbreaking situation unfolding in Ethiopia, particularly in the Arsi region.
The continued reports of civilian killings, the destruction of churches, and attacks on property belonging to the Amhara people are deeply disturbing and demand urgent international attention. These acts of violence have devastated families, threatened religious communities, and left innocent civilians vulnerable to continued insecurity and suffering.
It is unacceptable that innocent Ethiopians continue to endure violence, displacement, and the destruction of their homes, religious institutions, and livelihoods. The fundamental responsibility of any government is to protect its citizens, uphold the rule of law, safeguard freedom of religion, and hold those responsible for atrocities accountable. Yet, the continued reports of violence against vulnerable communities raise serious questions about the Ethiopian government’s willingness and ability to fulfill these basic responsibilities.
The Urgent Need to Protect Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and Amhara Civilians
We are particularly concerned about the safety and well-being of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Christians, whose religious institutions and communities have reportedly faced attacks and destruction. Churches are not merely buildings; they are sacred places of worship, centers of community life, and important symbols of Ethiopia’s rich religious and cultural heritage. Attacks against religious institutions and worshippers must not be ignored.
The suffering of the Amhara people and other affected communities also deserves urgent attention. No individual or community should be targeted because of ethnicity, religious identity, or political affiliation. The protection of civilians, freedom of religion, and equal treatment under the law must be guaranteed for all Ethiopians.
A Request for Congressional Leadership and U.S. Action
In light of these deeply concerning developments, we respectfully ask you to continue your leadership and consider taking the following actions:
- Raise the crisis in Congress: Call attention to the reported killings, attacks on religious institutions, and destruction of property affecting civilians in the Arsi region and other parts of Ethiopia.
- Urge the U.S. government to act: Encourage the Department of State and relevant U.S. officials to press the Ethiopian government to fulfill its responsibility to protect all civilians, including Amhara communities and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians.
- Support independent investigations and accountability: Advocate for credible, impartial investigations into reported atrocities and for those responsible to be held accountable in accordance with international human rights standards.
- Promote the protection of religious freedom: Encourage appropriate U.S. government action to protect Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and other religious communities facing violence, intimidation, or persecution.
- Support humanitarian assistance: Urge greater attention to the needs of displaced families and other vulnerable civilians who have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services because of ongoing violence.
- Maintain congressional oversight: Continue using your position and influence to ensure that Ethiopia’s human rights and humanitarian crises remain a priority for the U.S. Congress and the international community.
The international community, particularly the United States, must not remain silent in the face of credible reports of serious human rights violations. Meaningful diplomatic engagement, effective civilian protection, independent investigations, and accountability are essential to preventing further suffering and restoring respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Senator/ representative your record of defending religious freedom and human rights has made you an important voice for people who cannot adequately defend themselves. We respectfully appeal to you to continue using your leadership and influence to bring greater attention to the plight of the Amhara people and Ethiopian Orthodox Christians and to encourage concrete measures to protect innocent lives.
The continued killing of civilians and destruction of religious institutions and private property must not become normalized. The people of Ethiopia deserve peace, security, religious freedom, justice, and a future in which every citizen can live without fear of persecution or violence.
Thank you once again for your longstanding service, courage, and commitment to human rights. We deeply appreciate your efforts on behalf of the voiceless people of Ethiopia and hope you will continue to stand with those who urgently need international attention and protection.
With sincere appreciation and respect
Mesfin Mekonen
Mesfin Mekonen is the author of Washington Update, a bulletin about Ethiopia’s struggle for freedom and prosperity, and founder of MM Management.
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