[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 10, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H3069-H3075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND ENCOURAGING INCLUSIVE
GOVERNANCE IN ETHIOPIA
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and
agree to the resolution (H. Res. 128) supporting respect for human
rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 128
Whereas the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has
been an important partner of the United States and a regional
leader in promoting economic growth, global health, and peace
and security;
[[Page H3070]]
Whereas Ethiopia has helped advance the national interests
of the United States and regional partners, including through
contributions to international peacekeeping, combating
radical Islamist extremism and other forms of terrorism, and
regional cooperation through the African Union;
Whereas Ethiopia has made great strides in addressing
significant challenges in global health, child survival, and
food security;
Whereas Ethiopia's transition from authoritarian rule to
participatory democracy has not kept pace with other reforms;
Whereas the ruling Ethiopian Peoples' Revolutionary
Democratic Front (EPRDF) claimed to win 99.6 percent of the
vote in elections that were deemed neither free nor fair in
2010 and all 546 parliamentary seats in 2015, thereby further
consolidating the EPRDF's single party rule;
Whereas the Charities and Societies Proclamation and Anti-
Terrorism Proclamation, both enacted in 2009, have
accelerated the contraction of democratic space, severely
limited the practice of fundamental human rights, enabled
abuses by security forces, and impeded efforts to promote
accountability for such abuses in Ethiopia;
Whereas government forces launched a violent crackdown on
protests by ethnic Oromo and Amhara over their perceived
marginalization in 2015, resulting in hundreds of deaths and
tens of thousands of arrests;
Whereas the Government of Ethiopia has recently released
hundreds of political prisoners, but has continued to
periodically detain government critics and opposition
figures;
Whereas the Government of Ethiopia has periodically imposed
a state of emergency that even further restricts freedoms of
assembly, association, and expression, including through
blockage of mobile internet access and social media
communication;
Whereas the 2017 Department of State Country Report on
Human Rights Practices for Ethiopia cited serious human
rights violations, including arbitrary arrests, killings, and
torture committed by security forces, restrictions on freedom
of expression and freedom of association, politically
motivated trials, harassment, and intimidation of opposition
members and journalists; and
Whereas these persistent human right abuses, including
state-sponsored violence against civilians in the Oromia,
Amhara, and Somali regions of Ethiopia, as well as the abuse
of laws to stifle journalistic freedoms, stand in direct
contrast to democratic principles, violate the Constitution
of Ethiopia, and undermine Ethiopia's position as a regional
leader for economic growth, peace, and security: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes and commends Ethiopia's efforts to promote
regional peace and security, including through the
contribution of peacekeeping forces to regional and United
Nations peacekeeping operations;
(2) recognizes the importance of continued United States
and Ethiopian partnership in combatting terrorism, promoting
economic growth and opportunity, and addressing global health
challenges;
(3) notes with deep concern persistent reports of
widespread human rights abuses and the contraction of
democratic space in Ethiopia, which may threaten stability
and reverse economic progress over the long term;
(4) condemns the use of excessive force by Ethiopian
security forces, including the killing of unarmed protesters,
and the wrongful arrest and detention of journalists,
students, activists, and political leaders exercising their
constitutional rights to freedom of assembly, association,
and expression;
(5) recognizes and commends the recent peaceful and
voluntary transfer of authority from Prime Minister
Hailemariam to new Prime Minister Abiy and welcomes Prime
Minister Abiy's inaugural speech calling for open political
competition and the defense of fundamental human rights;
(6) calls on the Government of Ethiopia to--
(A) lift the state of emergency;
(B) repeal or amend proclamations used as a tool to
suppress human rights in Ethiopia, including the Charities
and Societies Proclamation and Anti-Terrorism Proclamation of
2009, and respect the rights of Ethiopian citizens to freedom
of assembly and expression, in keeping with Articles 30 and
29 of the Ethiopian Constitution;
(C) end the use of excessive force by Ethiopian security
forces and hold accountable those responsible for killing,
torturing, or otherwise abusing the human rights of civilians
exercising their constitutional rights through fair and
public trials;
(D) release all activists, journalists, and opposition
figures who have been wrongfully imprisoned for exercising
their constitutional rights, including those arrested for
reporting about public protests;
(E) improve transparency around development policies and
activities that may infringe upon the human rights of local
communities; and
(F) allow for an independent examination of the state of
human rights in Ethiopia by a rapporteur appointed by the
United Nations;
(7) urges protesters in Ethiopia to refrain from the use or
incitement of violence in demonstrations;
(8) urges opposition groups and the Government of Ethiopia
to directly engage in peaceful discussions to air grievances
and broaden political discourse;
(9) calls on the Department of State and the United States
Agency for International Development--
(A) to engage in a cooperative effort with the Government
of Ethiopia in the formulation of a comprehensive strategy,
in coordination with other donors, to help advance democracy,
rule of law, human rights, economic growth, and peace and
security in Ethiopia;
(B) continue to strengthen ties with Ethiopia, including
through the provision of appropriate levels and forms of
security assistance, in correlation to the Ethiopian
Government's own demonstrated commitment to democracy, rule
of law, human rights, economic growth, and peace and security
in the region;
(C) condemn human rights abuses and the excessive use of
force by Ethiopian security forces while pressing for the
release of individuals wrongfully detained; and
(D) hold accountable individuals responsible for gross
human rights violations in Ethiopia through appropriate
mechanisms, which may include the imposition of targeted
sanctions pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights
Accountability Act (Public Law 114-328); and
(10) stands by the people of Ethiopia and supports their
peaceful efforts to increase democratic space and to exercise
the rights guaranteed by the Ethiopian Constitution.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that
all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks
and to include extraneous material on this measure.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume.
Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 128, bipartisan legislation--we got about 114
Members, maybe as many as 118, a few came in right at the end--is a
visible and necessary manifestation of deep congressional concern that
egregious human rights abuses immediately end in Ethiopia and that
fundamental human rights be promoted and protected for all.
I would note parenthetically that, like others in this House, my
commitment to promoting human rights in Ethiopia spans decades and
includes country visits, chairing numerous congressional hearings and
legislation, including the Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human
Rights Advancement Act of 2006.
The resolution before us today, Mr. Speaker, is balanced and
recognizes the recent peaceful and voluntary transfer of power from
Prime Minister Hailemariam to the new Prime Minister Abiy, and welcomes
Prime Minister Abiy's inaugural speech calling for open political
competition and the defense of fundamental human rights. However, Prime
Minister Abiy has been a member of the governing Ethiopian People's
Revolutionary Democratic Front since the EPRDF took power in 1991.
Prior to becoming Prime Minister, he played a critical role in the
government security apparatus as the cofounder of the Ethiopian
Information Network Security Agency. He is the leader of the Oromo
Peoples' Democratic Organization, one of the four ethnic groups that
make up the EPRDF.
Also, H. Res. 128 commends Ethiopia's efforts to promote regional
peace and security, as well as our longstanding partnership in
addressing health challenges.
{time} 1715
However, the resolution carefully and accurately highlights that,
despite these developments, human rights abuses remain at the core of
the government's treatment--or should I say mistreatment--of the
Ethiopian people.
So after decades of serious human rights abuse--often ignored and
trivialized by some in Africa, the European Union, and the United
States--it is now time for positive action and meaningful deeds. Words,
Mr. Speaker, are just not enough.
In a letter asking Members of Congress to support our resolution,
Amnesty International notes that, in the last 2 months, the government
has released large numbers of political prisoners--although many remain
behind
[[Page H3071]]
bars--and closed the notorious Maekelawi prison, known for its torture.
Yet some have already been rearrested, and all--absolutely all of
them--are at risk of rearrest. Making matters worse, repressive laws
and state of emergency, used to brutalize people, remains in place.
There has been no reform there. None whatsoever.
Human Rights Watch strongly supports H. Res. 128 and has reported in
its reporting on human rights that: ``Since late 2015, security forces
have killed over 1,000 people''--and some estimates put that far
higher--``and detained tens of thousands during widespread protests
against government policies.''
The Human Rights Watch goes on to say: ``A state of emergency began
in February 2018''--that is just several weeks ago--``the second in 2
years, and permits draconian restrictions on rights to freedom of
expression, association, and assembly. Authorities regularly use
arbitrary arrests and politically motivated prosecutions to silence
journalists, activists, and perceived opposition party members. Torture
remains a serious problem in detention.''
Earlier today, Mike Coffman and I had a press conference. There were
several men and women there who have suffered the torture of the
Ethiopian Government and bear on their bodies and their minds and their
hearts the horrible and horrific indignity of the use of torture by the
Government of Ethiopia. Human Rights Watch continues: ``The Ethiopian
Government has not conducted meaningful investigations into any of
these abuses. Repressive laws restrict the activities of
nongovernmental organizations. The ruling coalition won all 547
parliamentary seats in the 2015 election.''
All of them. What does that tell you?
Mr. Speaker, the 2017 Department of State Country Report on Human
Rights Practices for Ethiopia also cited serious human rights
violations, including arbitrary arrests, killings, and torture
committed by the security forces, restrictions on freedom of expression
and association, politically motivated trials, harassment, and
intimidation of opposition members and journalists.
On February 18 of this year, the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia issued a
strong statement against the state of emergency. They said, in
pertinent part: ``We strongly disagree with the Ethiopian Government's
decision to impose a state of emergency that includes restrictions on
fundamental rights such as assembly and expression.''
``We strongly urge the government to rethink this approach''--the
State Department goes on to say--``and identify other means to protect
lives and property while preserving, and indeed expanding, the space
for meaningful dialogue and political participation. . . . `'
My resolution--cosponsored by well over 110, I think it is 118 now,
Members of the House--calls on the Government of Ethiopia to:
Lift the state of emergency;
Repeal or amend proclamations used as a tool to suppress human rights
in Ethiopia, including the so-called Antiterrorism Proclamation--which
accuses any Ethiopian who criticizes the government of being a
terrorist--and the Charities and Societies Proclamation--which makes it
virtually impossible for civil society organizations to function by
severely restricting foreign funding;
We are asking in the resolution to stop the killing of peaceful
protestors and hold accountable those responsible for killing,
torturing, and detaining innocent civilians;
Release dissidents, journalists, students, activists, and political
leaders jailed for exercising their right to free expression and
peaceful assembly;
Engage with citizens about development strategies, especially when
these people could lose their land;
Allow a U.N. rapporteur unfettered access to examine the state of
human rights in Ethiopia. Unfettered. Go anywhere, any time, and talk
to anyone without fear of reprisal or retaliation;
And the resolution calls on the U.S. Department of State and USAID
to, among other things, engage in a cooperative effort with the
Government of Ethiopia in the formulation of a comprehensive strategy
to help advance democracy, rule of law, human rights, economic growth,
and peace and security in Ethiopia, and hold accountable individuals
responsible for gross human rights violations in Ethiopia through
appropriate mechanisms like the Global Magnitsky Act.
Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by thanking Congressman Mike Coffman,
who has been an amazing tenacious supporter for this legislation and
has really made a difference in helping to get it to the floor, and, of
course, our majority leader for actually getting it to the floor. I see
many of my colleagues on the Democrat side. I thank them. This is
bipartisan legislation, and that is what it ought to be.
I want to thank Ms. Bass, the ranking member of the Africa, Global
Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations
Subcommittee, for her cosponsorship and leadership as well, as well as
Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel.
I would also like to thank the many human rights groups and the
Ethiopian-American community, who have and continue to work diligently
and tenaciously to secure fundamental human rights for the people of
Ethiopia.
This is a first step today. My hope is that it will begin a process
of this body being absolutely in solidarity with the oppressed and
standing in opposition to the oppressor.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution.
I would like to begin by thanking Representative Smith for sponsoring
H. Res. 128, which expresses support for human rights and encourages
inclusive governance in Ethiopia. I am a cosponsor of this resolution,
along with over 100 of my colleagues--a testimony to the work Mr. Smith
has put into this effort.
This resolution acknowledges the partnership between the United
States and the Ethiopian Government. We have partnered together on many
issues in the world: economic issues, global health issues, and
security issues. Indeed, the Ethiopian military benefits from the U.S.
counterterrorism and peacekeeping support programs that we work with
them on. However, it also expresses concern at the unrest in the Oromo,
Amhara, and Somali regions since 2015 and the human rights violations
perpetrated against largely peaceful protestors.
With the recent election of Prime Minister Abiy last month, Ethiopia
now has an opportunity to emerge from this crisis to undertake the
reforms called for in this resolution, including lifting the repressive
state of emergency, repealing or amending proclamations used to
suppress human rights, holding accountable those responsible for human
rights violations, and releasing all remaining political prisoners.
As the ranking member of the Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade
Subcommittee on the Foreign Affairs Committee, we have done a lot of
work in that subcommittee around the importance of the rule of law and
of legitimate, accountable governance in making sure communities are
secure and more resilient to destabilizing influences from criminal and
terrorist networks.
This is not just an issue for us on the international front. I am
also a member of the Homeland Security Committee, and this is an
important issue in terms of our safety and security here at home.
Prison sentences for peaceful protest, restrictions on freedom of the
press, and broad enforcement actions against civil society
organizations is a recipe for instability--instability that impedes
economic growth and leaves countries and communities vulnerable to
security and other threats, both globally and, as I said, back here at
home.
When a society witnesses the arrest of over 22,000 persons and the
closing of over 200 NGOs, we should expect to see the trust between
communities and their government suffer as a result. Instead, the
government should work towards promoting this trust that is so critical
to the right of Ethiopians to live freely and safely at home, as well
as to their government's strength as a partner with the United States
and others around the world.
In light of recent events in Ethiopia, it is important to view Prime
Minister Abiy's election not as the end of the
[[Page H3072]]
crisis, but as a new beginning for social and political reform in
Ethiopia. I hope he will undertake this challenge and undertake these
vital reforms.
In the spirit of a new beginning, I urge my colleagues to support
this important resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the
distinguished gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Coffman), the original
sponsor of the resolution, and, like I said, a giant when it has come
to pushing human rights in Ethiopia.
Mr. COFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for
yielding.
Mr. Speaker, today, the United States House of Representatives will
have an opportunity to vote on H. Res. 128, Supporting Respect for
Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia.
H. Res. 128 calls upon the Government of Ethiopia to take clear and
decisive steps toward becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and
more respectful of the basic human rights of its people.
There will be those who will argue today that this resolution is
counterproductive in that the Government of Ethiopia has been a strong
and dependable ally of the United States of America.
The opponents will say that the national security interest of the
United States justifies our support for this government, and,
therefore, we must ignore the cries of the Ethiopian people who are
suffering under this repressive regime.
The opponents fear that the Ethiopian Government will end its
cooperation with the United States in the war against terrorism if we
publicly criticize their human rights record by passing this
resolution.
But I say to them, for far too long, the United States has looked the
other way as the Ethiopian Government has so often used the weapons
that we have provided for them, not to fight terrorism, but
to terrorize their own people.
For far too long, the United States has looked the other way as
peaceful protestors were met with violence from heavily armed Ethiopian
security forces.
And, for far too long, the United States has looked the other way as
journalists, political opposition leaders, and anyone who dared
question this government were rounded up and shipped off to detention
camps.
The U.S.-backed government in Ethiopia has lost its legitimacy to
govern and rules by brute force and intimidation.
To the opponents of H. Res. 128, the passage of this resolution will
mark a setback for the relationship between the United States and
Ethiopia.
But it is my hope that the passage of H. Res. 128, Supporting Respect
for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive Governance in Ethiopia, will
mark a new beginning in the history of the U.S.-Ethiopian relationship
where the United States will never again have to look the other way,
and Ethiopia will realize its full potential by embracing all of its
citizens and becoming the great Nation that it has always been destined
to be.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of
Representatives to support H. Res. 128.
Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from
California (Ms. Bass), the ranking member of the Africa, Global Health,
Global Human Rights, and International Organizations Subcommittee.
Ms. BASS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 128,
Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive
Governance in Ethiopia, and I want to thank our committee chair, Mr.
Smith, for his many years of effort in this direction.
{time} 1730
The resolution calls on the government of Ethiopia to take clear,
decisive steps towards becoming more inclusive, more democratic, and
more respectful of the basic human rights of its citizens.
Ethiopia is an important partner of the U.S. in many arenas,
including regional security, especially through its contributions to
international peacekeeping.
Over the past few years, Ethiopia has made significant strides in
addressing poverty and expanding economic development. The country has
also addressed significant challenges in global health and food
security. These are extremely important gains.
We are here today, however, because the country continues to have a
way to go, especially in the arenas of inclusive governance and respect
for human rights.
Since November 2015, there have been ongoing protests in Ethiopia's
largest region of Oromia. These protests expanded to the Amhara region
in August 2016. In response, security forces have used live ammunition
to disperse largely peaceful protests, killing hundreds and arresting
tens of thousands.
Activists, journalists, and others have also faced repeated arrests.
The Ethiopian Government has responded by imposing a state of
emergency that included curfews and restrictions on the assembly,
expression, and movement of its citizens. Meanwhile, earlier this year,
the government began releasing prisoners, including opposition leaders,
journalists, and protesters. The government also focused on an infamous
detention center. Of course, this is a step in the right direction.
We are also encouraged by the recent transfer of power. The new prime
minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, recently delivered a speech where he
highlighted that the government plans to address unity and national
reconciliation as well as good governance based on the rule of law. It
also seeks to crack down on corruption.
Again, this is encouraging and it could be an important turning point
for the country that could provide an opportunity to widen the
political space, but what remains concerning, however, is that Ethiopia
is still under a state of emergency, and just last month, the defense
minister announced the arrest of a number of individuals who they say
were linked to protests.
We encourage the Government of Ethiopia to keep the positive momentum
going by lifting the state of emergency, ensuring freedom of expression
and assembly, and opening up democratic space.
The current challenges facing Ethiopia are best addressed through
inclusive discourse and political processes rather than through the
imposition of restrictions.
Mr. Speaker, I therefore encourage Members to vote in favor of this
resolution that supports respect for human rights and encourages
inclusive governance in Ethiopia.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Paulsen), one of the cosponsors of this
legislation.
Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I want to also thank Chairman Smith, along with his
bipartisan colleagues, in joining together in authoring this
legislation and bringing this bipartisan legislation forward and
speaking in support of and respect of human rights in Ethiopia.
This legislation takes a very important first step for what needs to
be identified and moved forward in terms of identifying what has been
happening for too long, where the Ethiopian Government has been
persecuting the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest minority and ethnic group.
Peaceful protests, led largely by Oromo's youth, have been met with
government repression. Hundreds have been killed and thousands more
have been injured. Now, most of those have also been arrested and
detained by Ethiopia's security forces.
Estimates are that hundreds of thousands of Oromians have been
uprooted from their homes and forced to flee the persecution and the
violence. There is no doubt that Ethiopia is a very important U.S.
ally, but that does not mean that we should turn a blind eye as it
oppresses its people.
Now, in my State of Minnesota, we are home to the largest community
of Oromians outside of Ethiopia. They are valued members of our
community and we are very fortunate to have them.
I joined many Ethiopians and Oromians actually this past Sunday night
when I attended a very large and moving interfaith rally with members
of the African and Jewish community, and they were all together
reaffirming
[[Page H3073]]
their commitment to religious freedom, to diversity, and to justice.
Sadly, many Oromians today won't find these ideals in their home
country of Ethiopia.
Mr. Speaker, today the House can speak with a solid, strong voice to
support human rights and also condemn the killing of innocent
protesters and the arrest and detention of journalists and students and
political leaders.
We are also at the same time urging through this resolution that the
protesters also refrain from violence, and also urge the Ethiopian
Government to take very concrete steps to end its persecution and
oppressive conduct.
Today we have an opportunity to take these important steps in showing
our solidarity with the Oromians, and I hope my colleagues will join in
support of this resolution.
Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Minnesota (Mr. Ellison), who is an original cosponsor of this
legislation.
Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I also
thank Chairman Smith and the ranking member for standing together on
this important House Resolution 128.
It is true that Minnesota is home to a large number of people who
find their roots in Ethiopia and are of the Oromo background.
These Minnesotans have made it very clear by reaching out to their
elected representatives that while their feet are firmly planted on
American soil, they still, like so many other Americans, have a heart
and a sentiment where they want to support justice in the homeland that
they came from. As a result, I have been able to get an education from
my constituents about circumstances in Ethiopia which make this
resolution necessary.
So I do rise in support of House Resolution 128, which calls on the
Government of Ethiopia to make clear, concrete steps toward becoming
inclusive, more democratic, more respectful of human rights of all of
its citizens.
I would like to note that this is a bipartisan resolution, proving
that we can come together for critical issues like human rights in
Ethiopia for Americans who find their roots in Ethiopia and for people
all over the world.
In Minnesota, as I noted, we are fortunate to be home to one of the
largest Oromo and Ogaden communities in North America, and it is
because of the relentless work of these folks that these issues have
come to light. I thank them. Many of them are here today. They have
been working on this issue for many years, Mr. Speaker, because it is
that vitally important.
Now, as my colleagues have noted, Ethiopia is an important ally of
the United States, that is a fact, but even allies must be held
accountable when they violate the human rights of their people. Status
as an ally is not a license to abuse human rights.
The Ethiopian people desperately need their government to take action
to secure their human rights and expand inclusive democracy.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield the gentleman from Minnesota an
additional 2 minutes.
Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, the Ethiopian Government continues to
detain journalists, bloggers, students, and political opposition
leaders. Thousands remain in prison to this day.
In addition, the Ethiopian Government admits to killing over 500 of
its citizens during the protests in an effort to suppress the people's
freedom of speech. Most observers put this number far higher.
These abuses have created a serious instability in the country. While
there have been some signs of progress, which must be noted, including
the recent election of a prime minister from the Oromo region, we must
continue to push for real, concrete changes. For example, the
government should let the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights
travel through the country to conduct an independent assessment of the
human rights situation in the country.
By passing this resolution, Congress will be making clear that we
will not remain silent on this important issue, we will stand together
across the political divide in support of these human rights in
Ethiopia.
By passing this resolution, we will speed up democratic change in
Ethiopia.
Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this
important resolution.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my
time.
Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may
consume for the purpose of closing.
Mr. Speaker, I will note that Chairman Royce has been a big factor in
moving this forward, and when I give thanks to Mr. Smith and over 100
more colleagues, I want to make sure that Chairman Royce is a person
that is highlighted for his great efforts.
We are going to miss him, as he has decided not to seek reelection.
He has been a person that has shown great ability to be a bipartisan
leader on the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and I have enjoyed working
with him on this issue and many other issues.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution seeks to support Ethiopia's political
transition as it hopefully moves beyond a state of emergency towards
greater civil liberties under a new prime minister.
This resolution also supports the Ethiopian people and their
aspirations to live in a more democratic system in which government
respects fundamental freedoms.
We have partnered with Ethiopia on so many important issues, issues
important to their own security, their own health, their own global
welfare, and we also recognize the value in that partnership in dealing
with the security issues and the ideals and values that the United
States has as a country.
This resolution strongly urges them to take that other step, to
expand that partnership beyond those issues into a partnership of
democracy where there will be rule of law, freedom of the press, where
opposition people will not be endangered in terms of their safety, will
not be imprisoned.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 128, and I urge my colleagues
to go forward.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I
may consume to close.
Mr. Speaker, I include these letters of support in the Record. I call
attention to the membership an excellent letter written by human rights
and diaspora groups, six groups in all. It is entitled, ``Ethiopia:
Joint Letter About U.S. House Resolution 128'', in support of it. They
make a number of very important points.
Ethiopia: Joint Letter About US House Resolution 128
Democracy, Human Rights and Diaspora Groups Urge Congress to Pass H.
Res. 128 on Ethiopia
Ethiopia is at a crossroads. On Monday, April 2, a new
Prime Minister, selected from within the ruling coalition,
delivered a speech about planned reforms while the country
was under another State of Emergency. At such a juncture,
amid mounting pressures, the role of the US, Ethiopia's
longstanding international ally to encourage critically-
needed reforms and human rights protections, should not be
underestimated in urging the country toward a new era of
stability.
The undersigned human rights and diaspora groups fully
support the passage of House Resolution 128 for the positive
contribution it can make toward respecting basic human rights
and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia. The
resolution has strong bipartisan support and more than 100
co-sponsors. In addition, H. Res. 128 has significant
grassroots support among constituents across the US who have
ties to Ethiopia. It calls on the government of Ethiopia to
open up civic space, ensure accountability for human rights
abuses and promote inclusive governance.
For the past three years, Ethiopia has faced largely
peaceful and sustained protests in the Oromia and Amhara
regions of the country. These protests were led by youth
seeking opportunity, political reform and more participatory
development strategies. The government responded with
excessive force. More than a thousand protesters have been
killed by Ethiopian security forces, a greater number
injured, tens of thousands imprisoned and many tortured for
expressing grievances. Over a million, mostly from Oromia,
were uprooted due to government-instigated conflict in the
Eastern part of the country.
However, a combination of forces has accumulated in support
of the protesters--diaspora groups and international human
rights organizations helped publicize the protest movement in
Ethiopia and the government's violent response; the US
Congress rallied behind H. Res. 128; international news
outlets gave frequent coverage of the protests. At
[[Page H3074]]
the dawn of this new year, the EPRDF coalition announced
reforms and some changes began to occur. Close to 7000
political prisoners were released in January and February of
2018, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn stepped down within
days, and Dr. Abiy Ahmed, a man with ties to the region most
impacted by the protests, was put forward by the coalition as
Ethiopia's newest prime minister.
In light of these beginnings, now more than ever, it is
imperative that the United States Congress take a stand that
reiterates the need for Ethiopia to take further steps in a
democratic direction by passing H. Res. 128. Ethiopia's
previous transfers of power indicate that leadership change
is often followed by unfulfilled promises, a culling of
opponents and power consolidation. If Prime Minister Abiy is
truly committed to breaking that pattern, this resolution
will encourage Ethiopia to lift the State of Emergency,
ensuring freedoms of expression and assembly and opening up
democratic space, all prerequisites for political and
economic reform.
1) H. Res. 128 is a signal of support for the youth in the
country who have organized to peacefully demand justice and
democracy and have paid a terrible price in terms of loss of
life, injury and arbitrary detention. Accountability for the
human rights violations that have occurred over the last 3
years will be an essential step towards genuine
reconciliation and is a key demand from the protesters.
2) H. Res. 128 contains clauses that could strengthen the
hand of the Prime Minister vis-a-vis less responsive segments
within the EPRDF party coalition structure, requiring
negotiation with the forces that control the country's
security apparatus, intelligence and the economic sectors.
3) H. Res. 128 contains clauses that call on the State
Department and USAID to develop a comprehensive strategy to
support improved democracy and governance in Ethiopia.
4) H. Res. 128 contains clauses that call on the Secretary
of State and Secretary of Treasury to apply appropriate
sanctions on individuals and organizations responsible for
gross human rights.
We support passage of H. Res. 128 as a means to send a
strong, unambiguous signal that the United States Congress
requires concrete reforms. Such reforms are needed to create
a path toward improved respect and protection of human and
civil rights, political stability and sustainable regional
security.
We urge members of the House to pass the resolution.
Amhara Association of America.
Coalition of Oromos for Human Rights and Democracy.
Ethiopian Advocacy Network.
Ethiopian Human Rights Project.
Human Rights Watch.
Oromo Advocacy Alliance.
____
Amnesty International,
Washington, DC, April 9, 2018.
Re Amnesty International USA (``AIUSA'') urges the House to
vote yes on H. Res. 128 which will be on the House floor
on April 10.
Dear Representative: On behalf of AIUSA and our two million
members and supporters nationwide, we are writing to urge you
to vote YES for H. Res. 128, supporting respect for human
rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia.
H. Res. 128 outlines key benchmarks for critically needed
human rights reform in Ethiopia and calls for a review of
U.S. policy toward Ethiopia to prioritize human rights and
good governance.
H. Res. 128 was approved by Voice Vote by the House Foreign
Affairs Committee in July 2017 and has strong bipartisan
support with 108 cosponsors including 29 Republicans and 79
Democrats.
Following highly contested elections in 2005 the Ethiopian
government imposed a web of laws criminalizing any form of
dissent or questioning of government policies. These laws
have empowered authorities to engage in widespread
surveillance, and have resulted in the arrest and detention
of members of civil society.
For the past three years the Ethiopian people have been
subjected to brutal repression by the security forces in
response to protests against the increasingly autocratic rule
of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front
(``EPRDF''). Over 1000 people have been killed since 2015 and
according to the Ethiopian government's own admission, 10,000
people were arrested during the first state of emergency
between 2016 and 2017. Amnesty International believes that
the figure is above 25,000. The current human rights crisis
is the result of years of repression by security forces using
sweeping legislation criminalizing dissent, the arrest of
civil society leaders and journalists, and brutal crackdowns
leading to scores of extrajudicial executions, massacres and
the destruction of property and livelihoods. The Ethiopian
government has created a culture of impunity and a climate of
fear.
Ethiopia is currently under its second State of Emergency
since 2016. Amnesty International has documented unlawful
killings, forced displacement, arbitrary arrests, detentions,
as well as torture and the ill-treatment of detainees.
In the last two months there have been some positive
developments in Ethiopia: a new prime minister has been
appointed, the government released a large number of
political prisoners and closed the notorious Maekelawi Prison
known for torture. However, many more prisoners remain behind
bars. While the country's web of repressive legislation
remains in place and the state of emergency is in effect, all
those individuals who have been released remain at risk of
re-arrest. Indeed, some of them have been re-re-arrested. At
the same time protests are continuing and are being met with
brutal force by government authorities.
H. Res. 128 is a direct appeal to the Ethiopian authorities
to listen to their people, change course, and uphold human
rights and the rule of law.
H. Res. 128 calls on the US Secretary of State to:
Conduct a review of security assistance to Ethiopia to
improve transparency with respect to the purposes of such
assistance to the people of Ethiopia and,
Work with the Administrator of the United States Agency for
International Development, to improve oversight and
accountability of U.S. assistance to Ethiopia, pursuant to
the expectations established in the U.S. Strategy Toward Sub-
Saharan Africa.
H. Res. 128 call on the Ethiopian government to lift the
state of emergency and end the use of excessive force by
security forces. The resolution calls the government to
conduct a credible, transparent investigation into human
rights violations committed during the last three years, in
an expedient manner and for those responsible for the
killing, torture, and detention of innocent civilians who
exercised their constitutional rights to be held accountable.
H. Res. 128 call on the Ethiopian government to take steps
to restore the respect and protection of human rights and
enforce accountability as provided under the Ethiopian
Constitution including the
Release dissidents, activists, and journalists who have
been imprisoned; respect freedom of peaceful assembly,
freedom of the press and media;
Repeal of laws that
(i) can be used as a tool to harass or prohibit funding for
civil society organizations that investigate human rights
violations, engage in peaceful political dissent, or advocate
for greater political freedoms.
(ii) prohibit or limit those displaced from their land from
seeking remedy or redress in courts,
(iii) restrict access to justice for displaced persons
(iv) prohibit or otherwise limit peaceful nonprofit
operations in Ethiopia.
H. Res. 128 urges the Ethiopian government to cooperate
with a rapporteur appointed by the United Nations to conduct
an independent examination of the state of human rights in
Ethiopia.
Ethiopia has engaged in a number of ambitious large-scale
development projects that have displaced hundreds of
thousands of villagers. A key trigger of the three years of
protest was the proposed expansion of the capital Addis Ababa
on lands occupied by members of the Oromo community. H. Res.
128 call upon the Ethiopian government to engage in open and
transparent consultations with citizens regarding its
development plans, especially those strategies that could
result in the displacement of people from their land and
address the grievances brought forward by representatives of
registered opposition parties.
Finally, H. Res. 128 reiterates Congress' support for the
people of Ethiopia and their peaceful efforts to exercise the
rights guaranteed by the Ethiopian constitution.
Amnesty International USA urges you to vote YES on H. Res.
128 and for the full House to pass this important resolution.
For more information, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Adotei Akwei,
Africa Advocacy Director.
Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. For the past 3 years, they point out, as we
know, Ethiopia has faced largely peaceful and sustained protesters in
the Oromia and Amhara regions of the country. They were led by youth
seeking opportunity, political reform, and more participatory
development strategies. The government responded with excessive force.
More than 1,000 protesters have been killed by the Ethiopian security
forces, a greater number injured, tens of thousands imprisoned, and
many more tortured for expressing grievances. Over 1 million have been
displaced.
Let me just say in conclusion that they talk about the importance of
supporting this. Yes, there is a new prime minister, but as they point
out in their statement, and it is so true, Ethiopia's previous
transfers of power indicate that leadership change is often followed by
unfulfilled promises, a culling of opponents, and power consolidation.
That can't happen again.
Mr. Speaker, this resolution, I think, deserves the support of every
single Member.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 128
Supporting Respect for Human Rights and Encouraging Inclusive
Governance in Ethiopia.
[[Page H3075]]
This resolution condemns the killing of peaceful protestors by the
Ethiopian security forces and calls upon the government of Ethiopia to
hold accountable those responsible for killing, torturing, and
detaining innocent civilians who are exercising their constitutional
rights.
Passing H. Res. 128 brings attention to the stifling of political and
civil dissent and journalistic freedoms committed by the Ethiopian
government.
Mr. Speaker, as co-sponsor of this resolution, we recognize that the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has been an ally of the United
States and the preservation of basic constitutional rights in this
country is the bed-rock of any democracy.
Protestors in Ethiopia are urged to refrain from violent
demonstrations and encouraged to engage in peaceful negotiations.
However, the responsibility lies upon the government to implement
democratic principles and respect the right to peaceful assembly and
guarantee freedom of the press.
Since protests started in Oromia in 2015, the Ethiopian government
has charged more than 150 students, opposition leaders, and activists
at the Federal High Court under the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation
(ATP).
They have repeatedly abused such laws to limit the freedom of the
press, silence independent journalists, and persecute members of the
political opposition.
Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported 669 deaths by April 2017
and Human Rights Watch subsequently reported that the Ethiopian
security forces had killed between 500 and 800 peaceful protestors in
the Oromia and Amhara regions by November 2016, and the number is
likely higher.
I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H. Res. 128 to show
their support and compassion for the people suffering as victims of
human rights violations at the hands of their government.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 128, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution, as amended, was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________