7/27/2019 BashirWatch Letter to Ethiopian Government

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Date: 08/22/13

H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn BoshePrime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

Your Excellency:

The BashirWatch Coalition, a group of human rights organizationsdedicated to accountability in Sudan writes to express its deep concern that the government of Ethiopia has repeatedly welcomed Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to Addis Ababa,

particularly his recent visit to commemorate the passing of former Prime Minister Zenawi.

President Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide, war crimesand crimes against humanity. Although the Republic of Ethiopia has not yet ratified the RomeStatute, the Penal Code of Ethiopia recognises and contains references to genocide, crimesagainst humanity, and war crimes and penalties which might be imposed for those offences. The

Coalition strongly urges you not to allow President Bashir to defy justice by stepping ontoEthiopian soil.

We recognize the fact that Ethiopia is not obligated to the ICC, however the case of Darfur wasreferred by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and as a member of the United

Nations, and Ethiopia is obligated to promote all the UNSC resolutions including Resolution1593 that referred the crimes in Darfur to the ICC. As an important player in the region and thecontinent at large, it is imperative that the Federal Republic of Ethiopia join the internationalcommunity in supporting justice for the victims of the Sudanese genocide by not inviting or refusing to welcome al-Bashir in its territory.

Accountability is a critical component in creating lasting peace in Africa and throughout theworld. At this time in Sudan, there are hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation inthe South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions as a result of al- Bashirs atrocities . If Ethiopiacontinued to welcome al-Bashir in its territory, Ethiopia will be providing him the opportunity todefy justice and escape accountability. Welcoming al-Bashir will only serve to embolden aleader of a regime that continues to bomb civilian areas and cut off humanitarian aid to those indire need.

The Coalition urges the Ethiopian government, to change its attitude toward dealing with al-Bashir and to recognize the importance of - accountability in the region and internationally by

joining the community of nations who have taken strong stand in supporting the advancement of the cause of justice.

We further call on the Ethiopian Government to fulfill its commitment to the African Charter for Humans and Peoples Rights by promoting justices an d protecting the rights of the victims inSudan by not inviting indicted war criminals to Ethiopia.

Sincerely,

7/27/2019 BashirWatch Letter to Ethiopian Government

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Coalition for the International Criminal Court International Justice Project,United to End Genocide Waging Peace, UK

Cc: H.E. Ambassador Tekeda AlemuPermanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations866 Second Avenue, Third Floor

New York, New York 10017