SOCEPP Statement on the unfolding reports of Human Tragedy in Ogaden, Eastern Ethiopia

Increasingly disturbing news is trickling out of the Ogaden region in Eastern Ethiopia. In addition to varying reports by different media sources, on July 4, 2007, Human Rights Watch issued a report outlining the ongoing collective punishment perpetrated by the ruling EPRDF on the residents of Ogaden. These punishments include:

* Trade blockade on parts of the region since June, with few goods (including food) permitted into the area, which depends on commercial traffic from neighboring northern Somalia, particularly the coastal towns of Berbera and Bosaso.

* Destroying villages and property, confiscating livestock and forcing civilians to relocate.

SOCEPP Canada is disturbed by this unfolding news of human tragedy. The reported government actions constitute a serious violation of basic human rights as well as International Law. The deprivation of necessities of life is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which violates the very essence of the right to life itself. This tragedy must not be allowed to continue.

We call upon the authorities in Ethiopia to immediately halt this inhuman and collective punishment, lift the blockade and allow the operation of Aid Agencies to provide the basic necessities of life to residents of the Ogaden.

We also call upon the government of Canada, Canadian Humanitarian agencies, concerned NGO’s and the international community to use their influence and pressure the government in power in Ethiopia to end this tragedy immediately and avert similar situations in the future.

SOLIDARITY COMMITTEE FOR ETHIOPIAN POLITICAL PRISONERS – CANADA
P. O. BOX 413 STATION E, TORONTO, ON. M6H 4E3 CANADA.
E-Mail: [email protected]

.