Human Rights and Governance in Ethiopia

Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer recently returned from Addis Ababa where he met with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to discuss U.S. concerns about human rights in Ethiopia. Mr. Kramer provided opening remarks on U.S. policy towards Ethiopia and answered questions. Mr. Kramer’s remarks were followed by a panel discussion on the current humanitarian and political conditions in Ethiopia, with a particular emphasis on human rights. Mr. Mulugeta Badwaza described the likely impact of pending legislation known as the “CSO Bill,” which threatens non-governmental organizations that receive foreign contributions in support of human rights, civic education, and peace building activities. Mr. Lackey discussed Human Rights Watch’s recent report, entitled “Collective Punishment: War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity in the Ogaden area of Ethiopia’s Somali Region,” focusing on the violence which began in June 2007. Mr. Lyons provided an assessment of U.S. policy towards Ethiopia, the country’s regional relations, and re-emerging authoritarian trends.
 
Opening remarks by
 
David Kramer
Assistant Secretary of State
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

followed by a panel with

Yoseph Mulugeta Badwaza
Secretary General
Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO)

Chris Albin-Lackey
Special Initiatives Researcher – Africa Division
Human Rights Watch

Terrence Lyons
Associate Professor of Conflict
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
George Mason University

moderated by

Jennifer Cooke
Director
CSIS Africa Program