Introduced by Representative Christopher Smith of New Jersey, HR 4423 recognizes that a stable, prosperous and democratic Ethiopia is critical in serving U.S. interests in North East Africa and the Middle East. Among other things, HR 4423:

• calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Ethiopia;
• provides support for the work of both international and domestic human rights agencies and urges the dispatch of the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture;
• provides human rights training for both civil society representatives and government officials on international human rights standards;
• establishes technical assistance for court personnel on handling suspects and defendants throughout the pre-trial and trial process to ensure their human and civil rights as defined by international accords;
• encourages the Government of Ethiopia to revise its laws that currently limit the rights of journalists to freely provide information, and establishes a program to strengthen private media in Ethiopia – a vital factor in any free society;
• provides technical assistance to enhance the democratic operation of local, regional and national governments and to promote reconciliation through peaceful political groups;
• provides support and encouragement of efforts by the Government of Ethiopia and the political opposition to work together to ensure that future elections – including the upcoming local elections – are conducted in an atmosphere free of intimidation and harassment and that those elected to office are allowed to exercise their duties as public officials without undue limitations;
• provides technical assistance on the appropriate and effective use of resources, especially water resources, as well as economic policy assistance on such issues as land ownership to help build the Ethiopian economy so that it can reduce the need for donor support; and
• provides financing for U.S.-Ethiopian commercial ventures so that the Ethiopian private sector can create jobs and help the nation reduce its high level of unemployment.

Given the current political crisis in Ethiopia, it is critical that we work quickly and efficiently to help pass HR 4423. We plead with the community to become fully engaged in mobilizing congressional support for HR 4423. As the coming days are critical, we encourage you to immediately call your Congressional Representatives’ district and Washington D.C. offices (http://www.house.gov/writerep/) and urge them to support HR 4423.
The only way we can stop the systematic destruction of Ethiopia is through our collective effort. Millions of Ethiopians are yearning for a better tomorrow. Supporting this effort is the least we can do.
Sincerely,