December 10/2004

As the world observes Human Rights day on December 10, SOCEPP is obliged to note that the human right situation Ethiopia has worsened. The ruling EPRDF continues to give lip service to the observance of human rights and the rule of law while trampling on the very laws it had decreed itself.

Ignoring international protests it is on the verge of passing into law a very repressive press decree. Despite demands from many quarters, the regime has refused to shed light on the fate of dozens of political prisoners "disappeared" by it. The EPRDF is presently engaged in talks with the opposition united front (UEDF) but it has up to now refused to release political prisoners whose number is estimated to pass 15 thousand. The ethnic politics it follows and has practically militated against many rights of the people has also led to inter ethnic strife and to massacres by the government itself as was evidenced in Gambella where more than a thousand people were killed. In areas of armed conflict the forces of the EPRDF have often been accused of committing atrocities while charges of ethnic discrimination by the regime have been confirmed again and again.

The trappings of a multi party seem are apparent but they ring hollow when confronted by the reality of existing one party domination or rule. The coming election in May 2005 is expected to be rigged as the previous one in a determined denial of the rights of the people. Political dissidents who are not to be found behind bars or in labor camps are forced into exile. Due process of law is mocked at by the EPRDF and prisoners are kept behind bars for years without trial or by using flimsy excuses. A good example is Abera Yemaneab, a peace delegate illegal jailed since December 1993 and still not sentenced or given due process. Students, teachers, civil servants, women and peasants as well as defenseless children are all deprived of the rights in one way or another and suffering. High officials directly and indirectly take part in the trafficking of young women to the Middle East and in the illegal sale of children to foreigners. The regime controls the judiciary, the police, the army, the repressive apparatuses, the media, etc. Moreover, it has quasi absolute control over the economy and state power is used to gain economic supremacy over ordinary businessmen and traders.

The EPRDF in Ethiopia is one of the worst violators of human rights in Africa. This is the truth that cannot be denied or hidden. And this is why SOCEPP calls on all peace loving peoples to support the struggle of the Ethiopian people to assure their basic human and democratic rights.

Release all political prisoners now!! Stop the human rights violations now!! Such should be the calls and demands addressed to the EPRDF of prime Minister Meles Zenawi.