Supporting respect for human rights and encouraging inclusive governance in Ethiopia.

Bill: 115-hres-128
Sponsor: Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Introduced: 2017-02-15 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa
Conflicts and wars
Congressional tributes
Correctional facilities and imprisonment
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Detention of persons
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Economic development
Ethiopia
Foreign aid and international relief
Human rights
Military assistance, sales, and agreements
News media and reporting
Protest and dissent
Rule of law and government transparency
Sanctions
Social work, volunteer service, charitable organizations
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
Terrorism
United Nations
World health

Summary:
action_date: 2017-02-15
text: 
Condemns: (1) the killing of peaceful protesters and excessive use of force by Ethiopian security forces; (2) the detention of journalists, students, activists and political leaders who exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of assembly and expression through peaceful protests; and (3) the abuse of the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation to stifle political and civil dissent and journalistic freedoms. 
 
Urges: (1) protesters in Ethiopia to refrain from violence and from encouragement or acceptance of violence in demonstrations, and (2) all armed factions to cease their conflict with the Ethiopian government and engage in peaceful negotiations.
 
Calls on the government of Ethiopia to:
 
 
lift the state of emergency;
 
end the use of excessive force by security forces; 
 
investigate the killings and excessive use of force that took place as a result of protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions; 
 
release dissidents, activists, and journalists who have been imprisoned for exercising constitutional rights;
 
respect the right to peaceful assembly and guarantee freedom of the press;
 
 engage in open consultations with citizens regarding its development strategy;
 
allow a United Nations rapporteur to conduct an independent examination of the state of human rights in Ethiopia; 
 
address the grievances brought forward by representatives of registered opposition parties;
 
hold accountable those responsible for killing, torturing, and detaining innocent civilians who exercised their constitutional rights; and 
 
investigate and report on the circumstances surrounding the September 3, 2016, shootings and fire at Qilinto Prison, the deaths of persons in attendance at the annual Irreecha festivities at Lake Hora near Bishoftu on October 2, 2016, and the ongoing killings of civilians over several years in the Somali Regional State by police.
 
 
Calls on such government to repeal proclamations that:
 
 
can be used to harass or prohibit funding for organizations that investigate human rights violations, engage in peaceful political dissent, or advocate for greater political freedoms;
 
prohibit those displaced from their land from seeking judicial redress;
 
permit the detention of peaceful protesters and political opponents who legally exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association; and
 
 limit peaceful nonprofit operations in Ethiopia. 
 
 
Calls on: (1) the Department of State to review security assistance and improve oversight of U.S. assistance to Ethiopia; (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development to lead efforts to develop a strategy to support improved democracy and governance in Ethiopia; and (3) the State Department, in cooperation with the Department of the Treasury, to apply appropriate sanctions on foreign persons or entities responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights committed against any nationals in Ethiopia;. 
 
Supports the peaceful efforts of the Ethiopian people to exercise their constitutional rights.

action_date: 2018-04-10
text: 
Recognizes: (1) Ethiopia's efforts to promote regional peace and security; and (2) the importance of the U.S.-Ethiopian partnership in combatting terrorism, promoting economic growth, and addressing global health challenges.
 
Condemns the use of excessive force by Ethiopian security forces and notes the reports of widespread human rights abuses.
 
Commends the recent peaceful and voluntary transfer of authority from Prime Minister Hailemariam to Prime Minister Abiy. 
 
Calls on the government of Ethiopia to: (1) lift the state of emergency and end the use of excessive force by the security forces; (2) release all activists, journalists, and opposition figures who have been imprisoned for exercising their constitutional rights; and (3) allow for an independent human rights examination by a U.N.-appointed rapporteur.
 
Calls on the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development to strengthen ties with Ethiopia and engage in a cooperative effort to advance democracy, human rights, economic growth, and security. 
 


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2018-04-10
text: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
action_date: 2018-04-10
text: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3069-3070)
action_date: 2018-04-10
text: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H3069-3070)
action_date: 2018-04-10
text: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 128.
action_date: 2018-04-10
text: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3069-3075)
action_date: 2018-04-10
text: Mr. Smith (NJ) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.
action_date: 2017-07-27
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
action_date: 2017-07-27
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2017-05-18
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
action_date: 2017-02-15
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2017-02-15
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2017-02-15
text: Introduced in House