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

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 protesters in Ethiopia to refrain from violence.

Calls on the government of Ethiopia to:

• 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; and
• investigate and report on the circumstances surrounding the September 3, 2016, shootings and fire at Qilinto Prison.

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; and (2) the U.S. Agency for International Development to lead efforts to develop a strategy to support improved democracy and governance in Ethiopia.

Supports the peaceful efforts of the Ethiopian people to exercise their constitutional rights.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov