Barbara Lee Supports Revised Ethiopia Bill
(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) spoke out in support of a bipartisan compromise bill designed to provide to support human rights and democracy in Ethiopia, after revisions were made to address concerns about the original, Republican-authored version.
“I am committed to this bipartisan bill which condemns the use of force, embraces the value of human rights, and supports reconciliation between all parties in Ethiopia, and I am glad that it was revised to incorporate Democratic provisions such as a victim’s support network, programs focused on reconciliation and assistance for indigenous human rights groups,” said Lee.
H.R. 5680, the Ethiopia Freedom, Democracy and Human Rights Advancement Act of 2006 was drafted in response to the violence that shook Ethiopia after the May, 2005 elections. The bill was unanimously approved by the House International Relations Committee today on a voice vote, clearing the way for a vote on the House floor.
The revised bill contains key elements that were absent in the earlier version, including legal support to political prisoners; support for victims of torture; support for local human rights groups; language calling for establishment of a program for reconciliation; specific language suspending security assistance besides for peacekeeping and counter-terrorism and more directed travel sanctions and certification provision. The bill also threatens to suspend non-humanitarian aid if the government obstructs U.S. human rights and democracy efforts.
“This bill contains key provisions that the Republicans had not included. It is now a better bill which will be much more effective, and I am proud to be a cosponsor,” said Lee.
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