1FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: John Stauffer 484-437-0373, John@FreeEritrea.org
June 9, 2009 Ariel Vegosen 516-732-0579, ariel@mintwood.com
June 19, 2009: March for Human Rights and Democracy in Eritrea
‘Enough is Enough: Stand for Change in Eritrea’
WASHINGTON, DC- On June 19 people from around the county will be converging on Washington, DC to march for human rights and democracy in Eritrea. Eritrean Global Solidarity and the Eritrean Democratic Alliance are calling for the march, part of a weekend of events that also includes a symposium, candlelight vigil, and discussions with the U.S. State Department.
The weekend of events aims to raise awareness about the ongoing human rights abuses in Eritrea and the growing refugee crisis. According to a report issued by Human Rights Watch, “Eritrea's extensive detention and torture of its citizens and its policy of prolonged military conscription are creating a human rights crisis and prompting increasing numbers of Eritreans to flee the country.”
WHAT: March for human rights and democracy in Eritrea
WHEN: 10:00 AM, Friday, June 19
WHERE: Leaves from Dupont Circle, to Eritrea Embassy, 1708 New Hampshire Ave NW, then to the State Department at 2201 C Street NW
WHAT: Candlelight Vigil for human rights and democracy in Eritrea
WHEN: 7:00 – 10:00 PM, Friday, June 19
WHERE: Jefferson Memorial
WHAT: Symposium on the human rights crisis in Eritrea
WHO: Speakers include the following as well as other notable figures:
Dr. Bereket Selassi, Professor of Law and Head of the original Commission for a Constitution of Eritrea
Dr. Yonas Mehari, Founder of Eritrean Community for Human Rights; co-founder of Eritrean Global Solidarity
Mr. John Stauffer, Co-founder, The America Team for Freedom for Eritrea and FreeEritrea.org
Dr. Seyoum Tesfaye, Chairman of Eritrean Global Solidarity
WHEN: 9AM-5PM, Saturday, June 20
WHERE: The Carlton – 4600 Four Miles Run drive- Arlington, Virginia 22204
Reception and award ceremony to follow
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Derechos Note: HRW published an exhaustive report on the human rights situation in Eritrea available at http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/04/16/eritrea-repression-creating-human-rights-crisis