For How Long Can You Remain Silent in the Face of Oppression?

For the last six years, we rallied peacefully against PFDJ-sponsored ‘so-called’ cultural festival in Australia, demanding the transfer of power to the people; respect for human rights; an end to oppression and extra-judicial killings; an end to confiscation of people’s land; the prevailing of the rule of law; citizens’ rights to education, proper health services, employment and other rights that a decent and good government provides to its people. Our cries for justice have been ignored; our demands for the rule of law have not been met. In fact, the political, economic and social situations have been worsened due to the irresponsible acts and failed policies of the Eritrean Government. So, why should we stop raising our voices on behalf of the voiceless and oppressed people in Eritrea?

This year, our focus is on the Diaspora community in general, and in particular those who live in the free world and who have chosen to be silent in the face of oppression and the ever growing injustice committed against the Eritrean people. We remind you that you are morally obliged and duty bound to speak for the Eritrean people and to stand-up against injustice. We remind you the freedom that you enjoy are the outcomes of sacrifices paid by people who believed in liberty, freedom, justice and democratic principles. So, why don’t you demand the same civil rights for the Eritrean people and be part of the democratic struggle for change?

Although you are aware of the dire situation in Eritrea, we remind you of the following:-

• Our youth have been denied the right to education and are forced to serve in the military for indefinite period, and in the process, they have wasted their youth, future and valuable time in trenches
• Our elderly have been arrested, fined a sum of money well beyond their financial capacity and humiliated being accused of assisting their children to flee to neighbouring countries.
• Our religion leaders and teachers have been arrested without any charges and fair trial.
• Our politicians have been incarcerated for demanding the implementation of the constitution and the rule of law.
• Our people’s land have been confiscated
• Our farmers have been ordered not to sell their produce and to hand part of their produce to the Eritrean government
• PFDJ refused to accept any form of humanitarian aid while the people are in desperate need of assistance

These are some examples of the sad situation in our home country. If these atrocities and irresponsible acts don’t move your conscience, what else?

Enough is enough, fight for the people’s rights.

Melbourne Rally Organising Committee &

Eritrean Democratic Alliance – Melbourne Branch

19 December 2008

Short URL: https://english.farajat.net/?p=1276

Posted by farajat on Dec 19 2008 Filed under Resistance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry