H.R. 2228 would encourage and facilitate the consolidation of security, human rights, democracy, and economic freedom in Ethiopia.
Detailed Summary
Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2007 - States that is U.S. policy to: (1) support human rights, democracy, independence of the judiciary, freedom of the press, peacekeeping capacity building, and economic development in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia; (2) collaborate with Ethiopia in the Global War on Terror; (3) seek the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia; (4) foster stability, democracy, and economic development in the region; and (5) strengthen U.S.-Ethiopian relations.
Directs the Secretary of State to take specified actions to support human rights and democratization in Ethiopia.
Prohibits until the President makes specified congressional certifications: (1) security assistance to Ethiopia, with exceptions for peacekeeping or counter-terrorism assistance; and (2) U.S. entry of any Ethiopian official involved in giving orders to use lethal force against peaceful demonstrators or accused of gross human rights violations, government security personnel involved in specified shootings of demonstrators, and Ethiopian civilians involved in specified killings of Ethiopian policemen.
Directs the President to provide assistance for the rehabilitation of Ethiopian torture victims.
Expresses the sense of Congress that the U.S. government should: (1) encourage the government of Ethiopia to enter into discussions with the Oromo Liberation Front to bring them into full participation in Ethiopia's political and economic affairs; and (2) provide necessary assistance to help achieve such goal.
Directs the President to provide Ethiopia with: (1) economic policy assistance; (2) financing for U.S.-Ethiopian commercial ventures; and (3) resource policy assistance.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/9/2007: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Points in Favor
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--!> I strongly call on the US congress men and women to support H.R. 2228, The Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2007. The support of this bill is the only sure way to begin the respect of human rights in earnest and for Ethiopia to proceed to develop peace, sustainable development and democracy.It is also the only way that Ethiopia can take her rightful place in the international community as a land where human rights are respected and the rule of law reigns.-->
Points Against
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<!-- In my opinion ,the bill should not pass because It puts too much pressure on the goverment ,but not on the oppostions who chose arm struggle and on those that may get engage in inciting violence, and don't forget that our democracy is infant and the bill may unstablize our country-.I think we should learn to solve our problems peacefully.->
Visitor Comments
haileyesus
May 24, 2007, 3:33am (report abuse)Just one more nonesense bill produced by people who just want to rape money out of the poor and disillusioned people in the name of democracy and human right. This bill is against US interest in all directions not only against the interest of Ethiopia. Democracy is a work in progress even in the US but people forget that, or don't want to think about that.
Mathias
August 13, 2007, 12:28pm (report abuse)I strongly call on the US congress women and men to support H.R. 2228, The Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy, and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2007. The support of this bill is the only sure way to begin earnest human rights respect and for Ethiopia to proceed to develop peace, sustainable development and democracy. “It is also the only way that Ethiopia can take her rightful place in the international community as a land where human rights are respected and the rule of law reigns.”
Ferede Negsh
August 13, 2007, 1:10pm (report abuse)It is very important that the bill is passed, and HR.2003 no doubt it is a good example for the development of Democracy in ethiopia and it will be strong signal for the dectator leaders in our world.
Hanna
August 13, 2007, 1:42pm (report abuse)It is very important that the bill is passed, and HR.2003 no doubt it is a good example for the development of Democracy in ethiopia and it will be strong signal for the dectator leaders in our world.
Dereje
August 13, 2007, 1:51pm (report abuse)I support the bill because it may help democracy to prevail in Ethiopia.
Haile. M
August 13, 2007, 2:26pm (report abuse)I belive that human right is universal for all human beings irrespective of differneces in living standard. I belive that not only the ethiopian government but also goverments of donor countries has to respect the human right of Ethiopians. Hence, I belive that HR 2003 has a dual purpose in the sense that it makes both the goverment of ethiopia and USA respnsible for Human rights. That is why i am in support of this bill and i assure that i will stand for respect of human rights forever.
GOD BLESS HUMAN BEINGS
Fikru
August 13, 2007, 2:27pm (report abuse)It will facilitate the democratization process in Ethiopia and the region at large
Haile.M
August 13, 2007, 2:28pm (report abuse)I belive that human right is universal for all human beings irrespective of differneces in living standard. I belive that not only the ethiopian government but also goverments of donor countries has to respect the human right of Ethiopians. Hence, I belive that HR 2003 has a dual purpose in the sense that it makes both the goverment of ethiopia and USA respnsible for Human rights. That is why i am in support of this bill and i assure that i will stand for respect of human rights forever.
GOD BLESS HUMAN BEINGS
Abraha
August 13, 2007, 2:29pm (report abuse)I strongly support the bill because it may help to stop the human rights abuse in Ethiopia. Those guys in power have no any sense of humanity. They kill, arrest, and torture arbitrarily and shamelessly they talk about human rights and democracy.
HAGOS
August 13, 2007, 2:38pm (report abuse)H.R. 2228 FOR HUMAN RIGHT
Tobia
August 13, 2007, 2:40pm (report abuse)I support 100% hr 2003.Because it helps to develope democracy and protect human rights in Ethiopia.I think it is also usefull for EPRDF too.Because it helps them(EPRDF) to go to the right direction.
kandi 22
August 13, 2007, 2:41pm (report abuse)I bilive that human rigit is universal for all human beings irrespective of differences in living standard.Ibelive that not only the ethiopian government but also governments of donir countries has to respect the human rihgt of Ethiopians.Hence, I belive that HR 2003 has a dual purpose in the sense that it makes both the government of ethiopia and USA respnsible for Human rights.That is why i am in support of this bill and i assure that i will stand for respect of human rights forever
sara
August 13, 2007, 3:09pm (report abuse)It helps strongly the humanright situation in Ethiopia
Gebeyehu
August 13, 2007, 3:24pm (report abuse)I think this bill can only help the effort for human rights and democracy in Ethiopia.
Some people may think it may interfere with the current Shimagilewoch effort which is has already started showing tangible results.
If the government of Ethiopia is prepared to genuinely promote human rights and democracy, they should not be intimidate by this bill.
Ewunt
August 13, 2007, 3:25pm (report abuse)I strongly support HR2oo3. It is very important document. I consider it as a best remedy for the current cancer of Ethiopia, Woyane.
MAMO
August 13, 2007, 3:30pm (report abuse)I support HR2003
demcracy for ethiopia
merone
August 13, 2007, 3:36pm (report abuse)I supportHR2003
democracy for ethiopia
wolde
August 13, 2007, 3:39pm (report abuse)I strongly support HR2003 because it is a fundamental document for the relation between Ethiopia and USA.
meron
August 13, 2007, 3:39pm (report abuse)democracy for ethiopia
support the bill HR2003
lula
August 13, 2007, 3:44pm (report abuse)I support the bill HR2003
Dagnachew
August 13, 2007, 6:27pm (report abuse)Democracy is the out come of liberal arts, social consciousness and development. It is unrealistic to expect poor, uneducated, and underdeveloped countries to practice progressive democracy. Ethiopia - in many ways - has progressed under the current leadership in all sectors. Airing diverse views, demonstrating in peaceful ways, and the presence of rich, open, and heated debate is self-evident to prove democracy is indeed evolving for the first time in our history. The country has shown measurable improvements in education, industry, health, technology, energy, and in good governance. Although the system needs to improve, the government has done more than any other government in Ethiopia’s history.
Ethiopia has to be encouraged not to be punished for the bold actions it has taken. Trying to impose order from afar is tantamount to compel alien order to free people. As freedom lover Ethiopian, I reject this HR proposal because it brings the exact opposite my country aspires.
Mesfin
August 13, 2007, 7:07pm (report abuse)I am an Ethiopian American and I do support HR2003 bill. The reason my tax money has to be used for the purpose that is intended; not to make the Ethiopian people life miserable. There for any money that will be given to the government of Ethiopian has to go with accountability. That is all.
BEKELE
August 13, 2007, 7:07pm (report abuse)I SUPPORT THIS BILL.
meron hailu
August 13, 2007, 7:43pm (report abuse)i support bill hr 2003
for democracy in ethiopia
Solomon Arega
August 13, 2007, 7:44pm (report abuse)The bill should pass to the full house.
sam
August 13, 2007, 7:50pm (report abuse)I support HR.2228
Alula
August 13, 2007, 8:12pm (report abuse)This is very very disgraceful. We have already many full time traitors within Ethiopia Like Meles and his co who believe Ethiopia's history is only 100 years and Ethiopi did not have access to the sea. Now we have another type of traitors. These are part time traitors. They work full time for their lives. They live the most comfortable lives on earth. However, they are battling to sell out Ethiopia probably to shore up for their share in the name of the people. A spade a spade call for all Ethiopians to eliminaate all traitors full time, part time from within and out of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is not a colony of the united states. Our people are not living in the united states. Our people must live under the law of their land, not under the law of a foreign land.
GUTEMA
August 13, 2007, 8:36pm (report abuse)IN SUPPORT HR 2003 I AM AGENST ANY KILLING OR HARASMENT AND AGEN KILLING MELES IS A KILLER
TASA
August 13, 2007, 8:36pm (report abuse)MELES IS A KILLER
BEYENE
August 13, 2007, 8:38pm (report abuse)MELES KILLED IN GONDER IN AWASSA IN GAMBLA IN ADDIS MORE THAN ONE TIMES
JESTES FOR THOS INOSENT
MILKIYAS
August 13, 2007, 8:41pm (report abuse)BY THE WAY 2005 MELES KILLED 7 YEAR BOY AND ALSO 79 OLD MAN IS HE SKERD OF THEM FOR HIS POWOR OR HE IS BY NACHER A KILLER I SUPPORT ANY BILL THAT HELBS SO KOLED MELES THE KILLER
JOUN
August 13, 2007, 8:46pm (report abuse)I HATE A KILLER
SO I SUPORT THE BILL
KAT
August 13, 2007, 8:47pm (report abuse)I WONDER IF ANY ONE SUPORT A KILER
I AM FOR HR 2003
BANT
August 13, 2007, 8:51pm (report abuse)MELES ORDER THE KILING 2005 IN ONE DEY HE KILED MORE THAN 200 AND WOND 700 HE PUT IN JALE 50000 IT IS GOOD TO SIGNE A PETSHEN COLCT A COMENT THIS IS ON BLAKE AND WHAIT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SEE I SUPORT HR 2003 OR ANY BILL THAT STOP GIVEING HEM THE WIPEN HE USE TO KILL.
Nebiat
August 13, 2007, 9:37pm (report abuse)This bill is very important for the ethiopian people. Apart from being extremely repressive, the governemnt of ethiopia hates the people of ethiopia and has no regard for their interests or aspirations. The government exists to please (or decieve) the international community than its own people.
The bill therefore needs to be made much stronger, at least as strong as the "Belarus Democracy Act of 2004" that was also authored by Mr Chris Smith.
As well, it should require the government to refrain from passing unjust laws in its rubber stamp parliament and to rescind those that are already in effect. Some unjust laws that have been instituted in the recent past include, but are by no means limited to, the media law, the criminal law, the election law (which bans foreign observers), parliamentary rules (which make the opposition a farce), anti-corruption law (which is often used to persecute political opponents) etc.
OROMO USA
August 13, 2007, 10:34pm (report abuse)PLS SUPORT OLF INSTEAD OF HR 2003
PLS SUPORT OLF INSTEAD OF HR 2003
PLS SUPORT OLF INSTEAD OF HR 2003
PLS SUPORT OLF INSTEAD OF HR 2003
nigist
August 14, 2007, 12:08am (report abuse)I support the bill because it may help to develop democracy in Ethiopi.
Asnakech
August 14, 2007, 12:17am (report abuse)I really do not support the Bill HR 2003 due to the disadvantages that causes for Ethiopians.
Wagayie
August 14, 2007, 12:20am (report abuse)I strongly opposed HR 2003.
Asmerom
August 14, 2007, 12:36am (report abuse)Long live EPRDF! Death to the remnants of Derg & ShaAbia.
solomon
August 14, 2007, 1:17am (report abuse)I support HR2003 because melsse zenaw is a killer innocente people
in ethiopia please in the sake of GOD don't help melsse zenawe USA or BUSH
shekesheke
August 14, 2007, 1:20am (report abuse)I supporteHR2003 because Melsse zenaw is a killer he kill innocent people in ethiopia Please BUSHE in the sake of GOD don't help zenaw he is snake
Mechachal
August 14, 2007, 6:20am (report abuse)What will be wrong to vote for a bill that propotes democracy and rule of law in one of the oldest civilization? Come on my compatriots
dadi bitiko
August 14, 2007, 8:12am (report abuse)I Support HR 2003
Tewodros
August 14, 2007, 8:19am (report abuse)I support HR 2003 because it may help
democracy and freedom develop in Ethiopia. All peace loving people of Ethiopia please Support HR 2003. It will help you, your family and the next generation. Thank you
M Dessalign
August 14, 2007, 8:21am (report abuse)Isupport HR 2003 Because of the woyane(EPRDF)ADMINISTRATION They are so bad and a Killer.what they are doing in addis.
Abraham Yayeh
August 14, 2007, 8:28am (report abuse)For very many good reasons, Ethiopia deserves genuine support and partnership with the people and government of the United States. But, the concerned US congress folks must rest assured that the proud Ethiopian people won’t compromise their independence for American cash. We shall never buy slavery in return of any sort of aid from any country including the US. Those sold out elements that are pushing the infamous RH-2003 were free when they sold out their Ethiopian nationality in exchange of American citizenship, but they should not expect to have the same liberty of selling out our beloved country to the country that adopted them for what ever reason. If it comes as a choice, America can keep its money, if it believes that any money can twist our hands to accept the US congress write us laws directing bus how to run our affairs. The question of human rights is Ethiopians’ sovereign duty, not the duty of aliens’.
Etsehiwot
August 14, 2007, 8:32am (report abuse)I support HR 2003 EPRDF or Weyane They want to kill us again.this pieace Full People.i don't know What Expecting Us.
Kassa Kidane
August 14, 2007, 9:21am (report abuse)This bill undermines the sovereignty of our country. We are not going to be governed by congress with a remote control. If there are changes to be made in Ethiopia, it has to come from within and as such we have already started the democratization process. It is a long road. It took US hundreds of years to where it is right now and to expect Ethiopia to be at this level as this time is beyond reality. Let us stop asking oursiders to help us instead let us help ourself. Our biggest problem as this time is povery and illiteracy and if we help combat these defficiencies the rest will correct itself through time. Let us stop being immotional and being blinded by person matters and let us put the interesr of our country at the forefront.
Kassa Kidane
August 14, 2007, 9:26am (report abuse)Prime minister Meles Zenawi brought unprecedented democratic changes in Ethiopia. Ethiopia is a nation of many nations and nationalities. All rights have to be respected. We can only go forward and not to the old days of one group dominating the others.
Kassa Kidane
August 14, 2007, 9:55am (report abuse)This bill undermines the sovereignty of our country. We are not going to be governed by congress with a remote control. If there are changes to be made in Ethiopia, it has to come from within and as such we have already started the democratization process. It is a long road. It took US hundreds of years to where it is right now and to expect Ethiopia to be at this level as this time is beyond reality. Let us stop asking oursiders to help us instead let us help ourself. Our biggest problem as this time is povery and illiteracy and if we help combat these defficiencies the rest will correct itself through time. Let us stop being immotional and being blinded by person matters and let us put the interesr of our country at the forefront.
samson
August 14, 2007, 9:56am (report abuse)Unless america stops its selfish foreign policies and double standard,democracy and the rule of law will never flourish in our beloved country.First of all We have to hold usa accountable for EVERY distruction which is coused ny meles`s regime,the growing poverty and repression in ETHIOPIA.The bush administration will never achieve its goal on fighting terror by funding buchers like meles zenawi and his allies,it even makes more and more people stand against americans,then it will be late to call the upprisers "TERRORISTS".NOT EVERY TERROIST IS A TERRORIST."
we want to see actions not empty promisses.If the usa wants a support from more than 75 000 000 people of Ethiopia not from a certain groups, HR 2003 must be passed and emplimented.
God bless Ethiopia !!!!!!!!
Down with our enemies!!!!!!
Alexander
August 14, 2007, 11:15am (report abuse)I FULLUY SUPPORT HR 2003!
Tesema M
August 14, 2007, 11:17am (report abuse)This is very important for the people of Ethiopia to support HR 2003.
§KASAHUN
August 14, 2007, 11:26am (report abuse)PLEASE NO.
TASSEW
August 14, 2007, 11:27am (report abuse)HR2003 IS DEAD.
JEMAL
August 14, 2007, 11:29am (report abuse)I DON`T WANT TO REVIVE THE BILL.
MASERO
August 14, 2007, 11:32am (report abuse)ETHIOPIAN PLEASE REJECT THE BILL.
GAGOCHA
August 14, 2007, 11:35am (report abuse)I NEVER SUPPORT THE BILL.
JEGNAW
August 14, 2007, 11:37am (report abuse)THE BILL IS COLONY.
MELA FASA
August 14, 2007, 11:43am (report abuse)LONG LIVE FOR MELES ZENAWI.DEATH TO HR2003.
Kasahun tassew
August 14, 2007, 11:46am (report abuse)our problem is solved by Ethiopians.
Tadesse
August 14, 2007, 12:20pm (report abuse)This is really a high time for all peace loving Ethiopians to see this bill pass to the floor and be practical in order for the establishment of democratic process & betterment of the country at large. I strongly support it passed.
Ewnetu
August 14, 2007, 12:27pm (report abuse)It is important passing the bill to rectify the American image of its support of one of the most brutal gangs of the world who is bathed with the blood of innocent people.
Lakew
August 14, 2007, 12:46pm (report abuse)This bill is for freedon, democracy and liberty.
ONE ETHIO
August 14, 2007, 12:48pm (report abuse)DEARTH TO THE KILLER OF INNOCET ETHIOPIAN! TIME WILL COME! FREEDON, FREEEDON, FREEEDOM
ETHIOPIA FOR ETHIOPIANS!
yebaba
August 14, 2007, 12:53pm (report abuse)the bill is important for the ethiopian people .the weyane government has to respect the humanrights in ethiopia.Any where injustice is every where injustice.
Observer
August 14, 2007, 1:35pm (report abuse)As long as it stands for the poor fellow Ethiopian, I believe every one of us should stand for it (the Bill, even the dictators’ themselves. Why the panic?
Long live Ethiopia and fellow Ethiopian!
Peace, reconciliation and prosperity for our land in the new Ethiopian millennium
Ewunetu Tenkir
August 14, 2007, 1:38pm (report abuse)For some leaders knowing the accountability act would have been enough to restrain self from human right violation but for few others,like Ours imposing it would be mandatory because as we all and the world at large know ,couldn't exersice self restrain or did not want to understand the long term effects of behaving against international codes of conduct.
MERDOFA
August 14, 2007, 2:43pm (report abuse)I SUPPORT H.R.2003
Belay Demerew
August 14, 2007, 2:52pm (report abuse)I wish I had had the power to stop this savage; cruel; inhuman Chauvinist rulers in the horn of Africa.
Yinegal
August 14, 2007, 3:27pm (report abuse)i do not understand why any sane person opposes this bill!
Why?
It is to the benefit of USA, Ethiopia, and the world in general.
Democracy, accountability, and helping is the foundation of world peace and international diplomacy. Why oppose it? It must be people who are responsible for the deaths of those many innocent demonstrators and imprisoned souls.
Unless one has not read the bill, it realy is ignorance to oppose it.
thank you
Demelash Mersha
August 14, 2007, 3:46pm (report abuse)I strongly support the passage of HR 2003 because it would facilitate:
1. the establishment of a
democratic system and the end
of dictatorship in Ethiopia
2. the protection of human rights
3. the establishment of the
independence of the juciary,
4. economic self sufficiency,
4. a strong and reliable ally to all freedom loving nations of the world.
The free world should help Ethiopia in its liberation struggle from the yolk of ethno fascist regime of Meles Zenawi.
maniyazewal
August 14, 2007, 4:18pm (report abuse)I am against 0f HR 2003 that interfere and disrespect the country, and the sovereignty of independence of the people of Ethiopia. I feel like colonized by the congress of America. that is not democracy or human right it is hidden agenda of few Congress that have interest for own sake
Tsegay
August 14, 2007, 5:11pm (report abuse)I am strongly opposed to HR 2003 with due repect to the U.S. Congress I can not believe they are even entertaining this now I think this is just waste of the tax payers time and resources trying to interfer with internal affairs of another country. Please stop this nonesense and leave the people of Ethiopia alone.
Tlahoun Solomon
August 14, 2007, 5:23pm (report abuse)I urge the congress to look at the suffering of the majority of Ethiopian people, not the sweet and divisive talks of the ruling party and it's leaders. They are there not by majority vote but by the barrel of the gun.
Tlahoun Solomon
August 14, 2007, 5:36pm (report abuse)I urge the congress to look at the sufferings of the majority of Ethiopian people, not the sweet and divisive talks of the ruling party and it's leaders or the lobiest (who are ony working for thier money). They are there not by majority vote but by the barrel of the gun.
Yohannes Gebre Meskel
August 14, 2007, 7:22pm (report abuse)THE CONGRESS SHOULD KNOW THAT ETHIOPIA IS RUN BY ONE ETHNIC GROUP CALLED TIGRAY , THEY CONTROLE THE ENTIRE MILITARY AND ECONOMY OF ETHIOPIA AND THEIR CRIMES HAVE NO LIMITS.I urge the congress not to ignore reports of abuses of civilians by Ethiopian security forces for the last 15 years.Not to ignore the unlawful imprisonment, killings, tortures of so many voiceless Ethiopians.
ONE ethnic should not run an entire country with the U.S MONEY.
U.S support to the ethno fascist regime of Meles Zenawi should not be unconditional.WE NEED YOUR HELP
TO BRING JUSTICE AND DEMOCRATIE TO ETHIOPIA.
Tassew
August 14, 2007, 8:18pm (report abuse)no for this bill
SEREKE
August 14, 2007, 9:06pm (report abuse)IN FAVOUR