Rep. Al Green Becomes Original Co-Sponsor of Bipartisan Ethiopian Human Rights Resolution

(Washington, DC)—On Tuesday, September 13, 2016, Rep. Al Green (TX-09), a resolute champion for human rights, spoke at a news conference in support of House Resolution 861, Rep. Chris Smith’s (NJ-04) resolution to support human rights and inclusive governance in Ethiopia. Rep. Al Green joined Rep. Smith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights, Rep. Mike Coffman (CO-6), and Ethiopian runner, Olympic Silver Medalist Feyisa Lilesa in supporting this substantial resolution. Specifically, among other things, this resolution calls on the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development to ‘develop a comprehensive strategy to support improved democracy and governance in Ethiopia’ and calls for the improvement of ‘oversight and accountability of United States assistance to Ethiopia.’

“I applaud Rep. Chris Smith for introducing this important resolution that will reiterate to the world Congress’s support for democracy and human rights in Ethiopia,” Congressman Al Green said. “I believe Ethiopia is for all Ethiopians; I believe in stability in Ethiopia; I believe the military and security apparatus of a nation should not be used against those only seeking a voice in their government and equal protection under the law; and, I believe all Ethiopians are entitled to the freedoms and rights we would expect any democracy to extend to all its citizens. I look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Smith in his efforts to raise awareness and make positive progress on this serious issue.”