PRESS RELEASE

The Afar Human Rights Organisation (AHRO) is very much concerned about the fate of Australopithecus afarensis, which is popularly known as both Lucy and Dinkinesh. Lucy – the root of mankind is an exception and symbol that places Ethiopia into the World heritage. Unlike any other hominid fossil ever found Lucy is most complete hominid skeleton of the 3.2 million years old. Lucy is fundamentally about what it means to be human, and preserving the fossil records of the origins of humanity.

We share the concern of many people about the safety of our anthology (Lucy) while in US tour. Meanwhile, we would like to draw the attention of the International community to the fate of the Afar people where Australopithecus afarensis (Lucy) was found- the Lucy land. The tour of Lucy is no more than self-centred propaganda wishes to divert the attention of international community from what is being happening inside the country, including flooding, volcano eruption, and human rights violation.

Few people ever had the chance to see what Lucy is all about in Ethiopia; even less is known what Lucy means for international heritage among the Afars. While discussing Lucy, it is very important to take into the consideration the situation of the Afar people, because Lucy, Afar and Ethiopia is inseparable from one another. It is not very much that Lucy was secretly taken through a covert deal with TPLF-regime in order to be exhibited around in the Houston Museum, and other places in the US. The question is, what is the objective of the deal and how is the interest involved would be used back home in Ethiopia. We do not believe it wise to think, the regime who abuse human rights at home could do any better for Lucy. A regime that has no respect for human rights, can not respect the legacy of the international treasure like Lucy either.

The TPLF led government never mind about Mother of All Humanity which hire the Lucy skeleton on a six-year-tour of the United States. What perplexing however is that, the position of Houston Museum which is a cultural center with renowned respect for other cultures. Does Houston Museum know where Lucy was found is desolate and remote Afar area, where people lack drinking water for both human and livestock? Does Houston Museum know Hadar in the Afar region, where Lucy was found lack any single sign indicating where Lucy was found? Does the Museum know the area where Lucy was found lack basic infrastructure still suffers of drought, diseases and civil war? In this conjunction, it is essential to understand the position of the Afar people! You can contact and support our effort through e-mail: “AFAR HUMAN RIGHTS”

We call upon International Association connected to Human Palaeontology and UNESCO safeguard the well being of the fossils of Lucy!

We call upon UNESCO to mark the site where Lucy was found and improve accessibility and the infrastructure!

AHRO call upon Houston Museum to reconsider the deal with the TPLF ruler and redirect the income generated from the exhibition to be used for improvement of life where Lucy was found!