The conference will address the deteriorated human rights situation and the persecution of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. On behalf of the Coalition of Ethiopian-American Civic Organizations, we invite all Ethiopians to attend the Ethiopian Constitutional Conference and Forum on Human Rights Abuses and Attacks on Religious Freedom in Ethiopia to be held on:
Date: Wednesday, October 1st Time: 9:30 a.m. Location: U.S. House of Representatives, Rayburn Building, Conference Room 2168
This historic conference seeks to shine a light on the plight of voiceless Ethiopians, drawing urgent attention to widespread human rights violations—particularly the systematic abuses targeting the Amhara community—and the escalating attacks on religious freedom.
Why Congress?
Hosting this conference in the U.S. Congress is a strategic move. Congress has a history of engagement on Ethiopian issues, and this venue provides a powerful platform for advocacy and action.
Invited U.S. Officials and Dignitaries
President Donald Trump Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)
- Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ)
- Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
- Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO)
- Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE)
- Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-Fl)
- Moderator: Mesfin Mekonen
Speakers and Topics
Ambassador Helda, African Union Representative
- Dr. Derrin Smith, Former State Department official – A new Social Contract- How Constitutional Reform Could
- Unite Ethiopia’s Diverse Peoples Councilor Bart Fisher – Congressional engagement
- Ato Mekonnen, Dyamo and Dr. Abera Mesesha,
- Ethiopia draft Constitution and National Dialogue Wzro Tsigereda Mulugeta – The Amhara struggle and the Fano movement Eng. Yelkal Getnet – the State of Ethiopia and Amhara struggle
- Ms. Kayle Fisher – International Religious Freedom Sylvia S. – Human Rights global Ato Abel Gashe – Persecution of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians
- Dr. Amsalu – Fano movement and Fano united front
- Mr. Scott Morgan – Africa Working Group, IRF
- Ato Abebe Belaw – Press freedom in Ethiopia