Never Again is NOW!
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To the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and Member States,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of the concerned citizens of Ethiopia, particularly the Amhara people, who are currently facing an escalating humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action. The situation in Ethiopia is dire, and the ongoing genocide against the Amhara people cannot be ignored any longer.
Introduction and Historical Context:
The Amhara genocide is not a recent development but has deep historical roots. Both the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the current Prosperity Party authorities, which evolved from the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), have played significant roles in the suffering of the Ethiopian people for the past 27 years. While there may have been a change in the party’s name and leadership, the same individuals who were responsible for the suffering of Ethiopians under the EPRDF banner are now part of the Prosperity Party. The Ethiopian people have endured the same oppressive rule for over three decades.
Escalating Genocide:
The scale of the genocide against the Amhara people is reaching alarming levels, and the international community’s silence is deafening. Despite our continuous appeals for intervention over the past two years, the Amhara people have been left to fend for themselves. In response to the ongoing violence, Amhara civilians have organized themselves under the Fano movement to protect their lives and homeland. They are determined to hold the perpetrators accountable. It is crucial to acknowledge that the criminals responsible for this genocide include not only the apparatus of the EPRDF/ Prosperity Party but also the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).
Genocide Convention and Your Commitments:
As representatives of nations that have ratified the Genocide Convention of 1948 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 2005, you are well aware of the solemn commitments made to prevent and punish acts of genocide. These international legal instruments were established in response to the horrors of the Holocaust and other genocides, with the pledge of “Never Again.”
We call upon you to prioritise the welfare and rights of the people above economic gain or commerce, to work collectively to prevent the recurrence of such devastating events, and to ensure justice prevails.
The Need for Justice and a Transitional Government:
It is evident that there can be no genuine dialogue, reconciliation, or lasting peace in Ethiopia and the region without justice. As it stands, the government apparatus and institutions are under the control of the very party and government officials responsible for the genocide. How can we expect criminals to serve as prosecutors, judges, enforcers of the law, and lawmakers in their own case? This is an untenable situation. The first step towards resolving this crisis is the establishment of a transitional government. We understand that the international community, the EU, and the UN may find this situation complex, and considering your own geopolitical agenda and interests, we understand the constraints. However, the responsibility of saving the Amhara people and their country falls squarely on the shoulders of the people themselves, particularly the Fanos. We are prepared to bring the perpetrators of this genocidal government to the International Criminal Court (ICC). International involvement can minimize civilian casualties and potentially prevent a bloody civil war. Whether with or without external support, we are determined to save the Amhara people, just as President Kagame did for the Tutsis in the face of international silence
As we write to you today, alarming new developments have come to light. On the 20th of September 2023, the Ethiopian government organised a side event at the UNHRC meeting to discuss transitional justice, all while the Ethiopian government was holding this side event in Geneva, they were simultaneously bombarding Amhara civilians in Debre Markos with drones.
Additionally, 6 people who were taken from hospital operation rooms just before their procedures began. They were bleeding, and their whereabouts are currently unknown. We have obtained the names of three of the victims:
Alarming New Developments:
As we write to you today, alarming new developments have come to light. On the 20th of September 2023, the Ethiopian government organised a side event at the UNHRC meeting to discuss transitional justice, all while the Ethiopian government was holding this side event in Geneva, they were simultaneously bombarding Amhara civilians in Debre Markos with drones.
Additionally, 6 people who were taken from hospital operation rooms just before their procedures began. They were bleeding, and their whereabouts are currently unknown. We have obtained the names of three of the victims:
- Mr. Sisay Terefe
- Mr. Hailu Astatkie (24 years old)
- Mr. Kenalem (18 years old)
We are awaiting information on the remaining three victims. With all communication methods shut down to hide their crimes, it is challenging to gather all the necessary information as these atrocities unfold. This flagrant disregard for human life and the proposition of the Abiy Administration for transitional justice demonstrate a clear strategy of quasi-compliance. It is
imperative not to abandon the Amhara population under the rule of a genocidal government.
Irrefutable Evidence and Lists of Participants:
To help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the crisis, we will attach irrefutable evidence of the Amhara Genocide, a convention detailing the Amhara Genocide, and lists of participants in this genocide to be investigated and prosecuted. These documents will provide a clear overview of the situation and the urgent need for international intervention.
Call to Stand Together:
We now call upon the governments of to join Switzerland, Luxembourg, France, Greece, Australia, Liechtenstein, The UK, The US, Ireland, Cyprus, Netherlands, and Canada in standing together to address the Amhara crisis. International solidarity is crucial in preventing further loss of innocent lives and ensuring that justice prevails. By adding your voices to the cause, we can collectively make a difference and uphold the principles of the Genocide Convention.
Conclusion:
We implore you to reflect on the commitments made under the Genocide Convention of 1948 and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court in 2005. “Never Again” is not a mere slogan; it is a solemn promise to prevent and punish acts of genocide. We urge you to act swiftly to prevent further loss of innocent lives in Ethiopia.
The Amhara people are in dire need of your immediate attention and intervention. We cannot afford to wait any longer. Please heed our call for help and stand with us in our quest for justice and peace.
Please find attached a presentation of irrefutable evidence of the Amhara Genocide sent from Stop Amhara Genocide Association. Please download the file to watch all the materials including videos and pictures. This file will be available for you for 10 days to download on this link. We sent it through wetransfer because of the volume of the document.
Thank you for taking the Amhara Genocide seriously and take actions to save lives.
https://we.tl/t-Nkk8ZJfyxf
Yodith Gideon,
Director Geneva,
September 26, 2023
