Urgent Human Rights Appeal Letter

December 26, 2024

To:

United Nations Human Rights Council
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
African Union Human Rights Directorate
European Union External Action Service
United States Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights

Subject: Urgent Appeal – Systematic Medical Neglect and Torture of Amhara Political Prisoners in Ethiopia\

Dear Esteemed Human Rights Advocates,

We, the undersigned Ethiopian Diaspora -based non-governmental organizations, are writing to urgently bring to your attention a severe and ongoing human rights crisis affecting Amhara political prisoners in Ethiopia. This appeal specifically highlights the cases of Mr. Yohannes Buayalew, Mr. Christian Tadelle, Dr. Kassa Teshager, Amhara parliamentarians, and Mr. Tadios Tantu, an 86-year-old senior citizen currently in Kaliti prison, who are facing critical medical neglect as part of a government-led campaign of gradual killing.

After waging a large-scale war against the Amhara people, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s government has systematically targeted Amhara political figures through:

• Arbitrary imprisonment
• Detention under conditions described as “Ethiopian Guantanamo” (Awash Arba Prison)
• Systematic denial of judicial processes and fundamental human rights

Specific Concerns for Mr. Buayalew and Mr. Tadelle

1. Imprisonment Conditions

• Confined in Awash Arba Prison under inhumane conditions
• Denied visits from family, friends, and legal representatives
• Subjected to various forms of torture

2. Medical Negligence

• Developed serious medical conditions during imprisonment
• Denied access to necessary medical treatment

3. Recent Medical Intervention and Subsequent Abuse

• Recently underwent abdominal/intestine surgery
• Forcibly transferred from the hospital to Kaliti prison against medical advice, despite health risks
• Returned to prison while still bleeding post-surgery
• Face ongoing medical risks and potential life-threatening situations

Broader Human Rights Implications

Thousands of Amhara political prisoners, including Meskerem Abera, Genet Asmamaw, Gobeze Sisay, Abay Zewdu, Dawit Begashaw, Dr. Meseret Kelemework, Dr. Tewodros Hailemariam, Dr. Wondwossen Aseffa, and Professor Sisay Awegichew, are reportedly experiencing similar treatment, indicating a systematic pattern of human rights violations.

The Abiy Ahmed regime is also:

• Conducting mass drone attacks against Amhara civilians
• Deliberately destroying crops and using starvation as a weapon
• Employing rape as a means of subjugation
• Targeting schools, health facilities, churches, and other critical infrastructure
• Engaging in educational and cultural genocide against the Amhara people

Urgent Actions Requested

1. Immediate medical evaluation of Mr. Buayalew, Mr. Tadelle, and Mr. Tantu.
2. Immediate release of Mr. Buayalew, Mr. Tadelle, Mr. Tantu, and thousands of Amhara political prisoners.
3. Independent investigation into prison conditions at Awash Arba and Kaliti Prisons.
4. Verification of the treatment of Amhara political prisoners.
5. Diplomatic pressure on the Ethiopian government to ensure humane treatment of detainees
6. Consideration of potential sanctions or international monitoring.
7. Pressure on the Abiy Ahmed regime to cease drone attacks on Amhara civilians.
8. Urgent action to stop the use of starvation and rape as weapons against the Amhara people.
9. Pressure on the Abiy Ahmed regime to end the genocidal war against the Amhara people.
10. Withdrawal of the invading armed forces of the Ethiopian regime from the Amhara region.

Documentation and Evidence

We have detailed testimonies, medical records, and witness statements available that we can provide upon request. We are prepared to substantiate these claims with comprehensive documentation.

Conclusion

The current situation represents a critical human rights emergency that requires immediate international attention and intervention.

Signatory Organizations

1. Abba Bahrey Forum
2. Bette Amhara Wollo Worldwide Association
3. All Shewa Ethiopian People Multipurpose International Association
4. American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC)
5. Ethiopian American Civic Council (EACC)
6. Foundation for Human Rights and Development in Ethiopia (FHRDE)
7. Freedom and Justice for Telemt Amhara
8. Global Amhara Coalition (GAC)
9. Global Ethiopian Scholars Initiatives (GESI)
10. Gojjam Global Alliance
11. Gonder Hibret for Ethiopian Unity
12. Hope for Ethiopia (H4E)
13. Network of Ethiopian Scholars (NES)
14. Vision Ethiopia (VE)
15. Welkait, Tegede, Telemt, Setit Humera Global Amhara Unity Association