SEPTEMBER 5/2001

 OPPOSE THE BANNING OF THE ETHIOPIAN WOMEN LAWYERS' ASSOCIATION

 Government owned or controlled newspapers in Addis Abeba have quoted the Ministry of Justice as saying it has barred the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), from operating. This ban, if confirmed, reaffirms the government's ongoing illegal attempt to impose totalitarian control over civic associations. The government had in the past attacked in such a manner the Ethiopian Teachers' Association (whose leaders including chairman Dr. Taye Wolde Semayat are in prison on trumped up charges) and the central trade union (CETU).

 The EWLA has been rendering exemplary service to women who have been denied due process, subjected to violence or rape and has been focusing on the plight of children who are as a whole unprotected victims. The Association has given legal assistance and free counsel to women and undertaken a much effective campaign to educate the society at large on the need to end the mistreatment of women in all aspects (violence, rape, genital mutilation, child abuse, etc..). The government owned papers allege that the EWLA has been banned for engaging in activities "different from those it was mandated by law". Informed observers note that the ruling EPRDF had for long been trying to replace the EWLA with its own (controlled) similar association. One of the most effective and autonomous civic associations in Ethiopia, the EWLA has played a pivotal role in helping women struggle for their rights peacefully and legally.

SOCEPP vigorously protests against the banning of the EWLA and calls on all peace loving people to voice their protest to the government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (p.o.box 1031,Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Fax no. 251-1-552020)

SOCEPP