Who we are

We are a group of individuals very concerned about the current state of human rights in Ethiopia, in general and about the victims of the post election crackdown and extreme repression since May of 2005 in particular. Though most of us who founded and run this network are on the Eastern Coast of the United States, our volunteer network and supporters are reach out to us from everywhere.  This network is non-political, non-partisan, and open to individuals committed to contributing in any way they are able to promote the cause of human rights and the rule of law in Ethiopia.

We specifically use the name of the town Qaliti, where the pro democracy leaders, human rights defenders and journalists, among others are held in abhorrent conditions in acknowledgment of the symbolism of their incarceration on charges of “outrages against the constitution, attempted genocide, and treason” etc. The pledge is that we will work tirelessly to see the day that they and indeed all Ethiopians are free to express their thoughts, associate in fellowship with any group, and choose their leaders of their own free will without fear of retaliation by any power that is above the law.

We remain appalled at the dearth of information leaving Ethiopia using regular, mainstream news channels and through the donor community that still supports Ethiopia, the second most populous nation in Africa and one of the major recipients of international aid.  In the absence of those, the opposition parties under siege, popular websites and blogs, and other informal sources have flourished. Though we remain grateful for those, we understand that the delivery and exchange of information across a truly non-partisan platform is absolutely necessary. We are committed to providing that space within the constraints of access to such information. In this respect, we echo the principles of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO). Our partiality is to the principles and not to any group or individual.

We hope to shed more and more light to the predicament of the Ethiopian people during this time of extreme repression and human right violations.

In doing so, we hope too that you will support us in every way you can and continue to make as much noise as you can.

Thank you.