The CSIS Africa Program cordially invites you to attend a panel on: “Human Rights and Governance in Ethiopia” with opening remarks by

David Kramer
Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor

followed by a panel with

Yoseph Mulugeta Badwaza
Secretary General, Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO)

Chris Albin-Lackey
Special Initiatives Researcher – Africa Division
Human Rights Watch

Terrence Lyons
Associate Professor of Conflict
Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution
George Mason University

Monday, November 3rd, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
B1 Conference Level
Center for Strategic and International Studies
1800 K St, NW Washington DC

moderated by

Jennifer Cooke
Director, CSIS Africa Program

Assistant Secretary of State David Kramer recently returned from Addis Ababa where he met with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to discuss U.S. concerns about human rights in Ethiopia. Mr. Kramer will provide opening remarks on U.S. policy towards Ethiopia and answer questions. Mr. Kramer’s remarks will be followed by a panel discussing the current humanitarian and political conditions in Ethiopia, with a particular emphasis on human rights. Mr. Mulugeta Badwaza will describe the likely impact of pending legislation known as the “CSO Bill,” which threatens non-governmental organizations that receive foreign contributions in support of human rights, civic education, and peace building activities. Mr. Lackey will be discussing Human Rights Watch’s recent report, entitled “Collective Punishment: War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity in the Ogaden area of Ethiopia’s Somali Region,” focusing on the violence which began in June 2007. Mr. Lyons will provide an assessment of U.S. policy towards Ethiopia, the country’s regional relations, and re-emerging authoritarian trends.

Please RSVP to [email protected] to attend.