ዓለም አቀፍ ትብብር ለኢትዮጵያውያን መብት
Global Alliance for the Rights of Ethiopians (GARE)
PO Box 1836, Rancho Cordova, CA 95741
Telephone: (877)477-2544
Email: info@globalethiopia.org
www.globalethiopia.org
All Lives Have Equal Value
February 9, 2021
GARE believes that the life of every individual is sacred and must be defended regardless of ethnic or religious affiliation or political tendency.
In this regard, GARE is deeply concerned about the cycle of violence targeting Ethiopians based on their ethnicity and faith, most prominently Amhara and other minorities and Christians in Oromia, Beni Shangul Gumuz and in Mai Kadra, the Amhara region. It is also deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in the Tigray region.
GARE shares concerns expressed by America’s departing Ambassador to Ethiopia, Michael Raynor, who said this.
“We remain concerned about ethnic violence around the country and the threat it poses to achieving the country’s potential.”
The humanitarian crisis in Tigray following the tragic war initiated by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is of deep concern GARE, to millions of Ethiopians within Ethiopia and to the international community. Tragically, the TPLF has diminished the brotherhood, humanity, mutual love, respect, care and support that Ethiopians have for one another.
GARE genuinely believes that these Ethiopian values must be restored and that all Ethiopians must respond to the unfolding crisis in Tigray in their capacities as both human beings and as Ethiopians. Equally, the root or structural and policy causes for this crisis as well as for ethnic cleansing and genocide in Oromia and Beni-Shangul Gumuz must be addressed boldly and quickly by the Federal Government of Ethiopia and by regional authorities. Perpetrators must be held accountable now.
In the medium and long-term, GARE believes that Ethiopian academics, civil society and faith organizations, opposition parties, the Diaspora and officials at all levels of Government must begin the hard work of peace, reconciliation, peace and consensus building sincerely and immediately. Ethiopians must make a paradigm shift in their thinking. They must diffuse ethnic and religious bigotry, exclusion, hatred, and mistrust that breed deepening polarization. GARE believes these attributes can be mitigated by reaching out to one another; by learning from one another; by respecting one another; by bonding with one another; and by supporting one another in day today lives Ethiopians face.
GARE believes that the current crisis in the Tigray region provides all of us who are committed to human rights and to human dignity a huge opportunity to demonstrate genuine empathy for and solidarity with Tigrean-Ethiopians materially through financial and other material support, and spiritually through our prayers. Above all it is our duty as citizens to manifest what Ethiopians do best that is help each-other in times of need and strive to live by example defending and protecting the rights of Ethiopians wherever they may be. Especially affirming the victory of Ethiopiawinet over the evil and divisive Ethnic based greedy junta mentality.
GARE believes that sustained healing and support for one another is the only way that we can show to the rest of the world, to international organizations, to hatemongers, to ethno-nationalists and to our country’s enemies that Ethiopians care for one another; and empathize with one another at times of greatest need.
Finally, GARE urges the Federal Government of Ethiopia to do all within its means to support, facilitate and coordinate the international humanitarian effort underway in the Tigray Region. The Federal Government must also be much more forthcoming and bolder in dealing with the systemic cause of ethnic cleansing and genocide especially in Metekel, Beni Shangul Gumuz as well as in Oromia.
