The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) and African Rights Monitor (ARM) have recently conducted extensive research and advocacy work on the ongoing violations of human rights in the Ogaden and Oromo regions of Ethiopia, finding in the process that there is a shocking lack of international attention directed at the situation in these regions. Substantial documentation of the violations committed in these regions has been published by human rights NGOs, governments and media outlets, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Genocide Watch and the U.S. State Department. However, the situation is not frequently discussed in international forums, including at the United Nations. This event aims to break that silence and bring attention to the human rights situation throughout Ethiopia, with a particular focus on the alarming abuses occurring in the Ogaden region.

The event will begin with a screening of the recent report produced by BBC Newsnight and The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Following this, eyewitnesses from Ethiopian minority communities will present accounts of their own experiences as targets of abuse at the hands of state security forces. Angus Stickler, lead reporter at the Bureau for Investigative Journalism will also be present to provide additional information about the report and to describe his recent experiences conducting research in Ethiopia. Following the presentations there will be ample opportunity for questions and discussion with the panel. 

We hope that you will be able to join us for what promises to be an interesting and informative event! If you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me or call the Office of the UNPO General Secretary.

*Please contact Lisa Thomas at the UNPO Secretariat [email protected] by Friday, 11 September if you require assistance arranging a grounds pass to access the United Nations for this event*

Event Details:

Title: Oppression in the Ogaden: Human Rights in Ethiopia's Somali Region 

Date: Tuesday 13 September 2011 

Time: 11:00 - 13:00  

Location: Room XXIII, Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland 

Speakers:

Abdullahi Mohamed – African Rights Monitor  

Angus Stickler – Lead Reporter, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism

Ogaden eyewitness

Bekele Jirata – Former Secretary General of Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement and former prisoner of conscience in Ethiopia