A conference held in a congressional building in Washington, D.C., on December 31, 2025, focused on the human rights crisis in Ethiopia, with speakers urging heightened awareness, accountability, and international intervention. Sylvia Stanard, a representative of United for Human Rights and Youth for Human Rights, emphasized the urgent need for global engagement, noting that human rights violations in Ethiopia are occurring daily, including attacks on religious freedom. Stanard pointed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as the foundation for these obligations, stating, "Human rights are not optional — they are universal." She highlighted the difficulty of competing for global attention amid other conflicts, such as those in Israel, Gaza, Ukraine, and Russia, and urged the Ethiopian diaspora to educate policymakers and media. More information about human rights education can be found at www.humanrights.com.
Ato Yilkal Getnet, in his address titled "Ethnic Federalism and the Crisis in Ethiopia," argued that the country's political instability stems from its constitutionally enshrined ethnic federalism, which prioritizes ethnic identity over national unity. He stated that this system has led to political fragmentation and social unrest, with the Amhara people suffering the most from political repression and harmful narratives.
Abel Gashe, a leader in Ethiopian American organizations, called for global awareness of mass killings and massacres, particularly targeting Ethiopian Orthodox Christians. He reported that in the last two to three months, more than fifty Orthodox Christians have been killed, churches burned, and worshippers massacred. Gashe cited the recent killing of the Chief Executive Officer of the Wollega region, whose body has not been retrieved. He described the situation as a religious genocide and called on the Ethiopian government to defend its citizens.
Mr. Scott Morgan, head of the International Religious Freedom's Africa Working Group, noted that while other crises overshadow events in Northern Ethiopia, the situation there remains serious. He mentioned that the Trump Administration is focused on Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but advocacy should ensure Northern Ethiopia is not forgotten. Mr. Mesfin Mekonen, author of Washington Update, organized and served as Master of Ceremonies for the briefing.
The conference concluded with calls for the international community to pay closer attention to Ethiopia's human rights violations, advocate for meaningful dialogue, and support policies aimed at restoring stability and justice in alignment with the UDHR.
