Date: 08/22/13 H.E.

Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Your Excellency: The BashirWatch Coalition, a group of human rights organizations dedicated to accountability in Sudan writes to express its deep concern that the government of Ethiopia has repeatedly welcomed Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to Addis Ababa, particularly his recent visit to commemorate the passing of former Prime Minister Zenawi. President Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. Although the Republic of Ethiopia has not yet ratified the Rome Statute, the Penal Code of Ethiopia recognises and contains references to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes and penalties which might be imposed for those offences. The Coalition strongly urges you not to allow President Bashir to defy justice by stepping onto Ethiopian soil. We recognize the fact that Ethiopia is not obligated to the ICC, however the case of Darfur was referred by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and as a member of the United Nations, and Ethiopia is obligated to promote all the UNSC resolutions including Resolution 1593 that referred the crimes in Darfur to the ICC. As an important player in the region and the continent at large, it is imperative that the Federal Republic of Ethiopia join the international community in supporting justice for the victims of the Sudanese genocide by not inviting or refusing to welcome al-Bashir in its territory. Accountability is a critical component in creating lasting peace in Africa and throughout the world. At this time in Sudan, there are hundreds of thousands of people at risk of starvation in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions as a result of al-Bashirs atrocities. If Ethiopia continued to welcome al-Bashir in its territory, Ethiopia will be providing him the opportunity to defy justice and escape accountability. Welcoming al-Bashir will only serve to embolden a leader of a regime that continues to bomb civilian areas and cut off humanitarian aid to those in dire need. The Coalition urges the Ethiopian government, to change its attitude toward dealing with alBashir and to recognize the importance of - accountability in the region and internationally by joining the community of nations who have taken strong stand in supporting the advancement of the cause of justice. We further call on the Ethiopian Government to fulfill its commitment to the African Charter for Humans and Peoples Rights by promoting justices and protecting the rights of the victims in Sudan by not inviting indicted war criminals to Ethiopia.

Sincerely,

Coalition for the International Criminal Court United to End Genocide

International Justice Project, Waging Peace, UK

Cc: H.E. Ambassador Tekeda Alemu Permanent Mission of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the United Nations 866 Second Avenue, Third Floor New York, New York 10017