Stand for Tigray on 6/19 - UN Day for Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict

Today, I implore you to listen with your heart to an urgent plea that resonates with our shared humanity. With the upcoming UN Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on Monday, June 19th, we must focus on the crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia—a region that has been largely overlooked, leaving its people in despair. The peace accord signed last November between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) was meant to bring an end to a brutal two-year civil war. However, the stark reality on the ground reveals an ongoing nightmare for the people of Tigray, where violence continues to ravage lives. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of this suffering, their voices stifled by the unfathomable horrors they endure even in the aftermath of the peace agreement. Survivors bravely come forward, sharing their harrowing stories and shedding light on the unimaginable atrocities inflicted upon them by Ethiopian soldiers, Eritrean forces, and Amhara militia. The systematic rape of Tigrayan women, extensively documented by reputable organizations such as the United Nations and human rights groups, represents a severe violation of their dignity and stands in stark contrast to our shared values. We cannot afford to remain silent in the face of such unspeakable atrocities. The survivors implore us to unite in our condemnation of sexual violence in conflict. As a distinguished member of the U.S. Congress, your influence and authority can make a difference. I beseech you to champion immediate action on behalf of the survivors and the people of Tigray. Together, we must demand: - Accountability: Advocate for an impartial investigation into the alleged human rights abuses and sexual violence in Tigray. Hold those responsible for these heinous acts accountable for their actions. - Humanitarian Support: Humanitarian Support: Urge the resumption of critical assistance from USAID and the World Food Programme (WFP) in Tigray. Additionally, advocate for increased resources to be allocated to organizations providing essential medical, psychological, and legal aid to survivors of sexual violence. The prompt resumption of assistance is vital to save innocent lives and address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Tigray. - Advocacy and Awareness: Illuminate fellow congressional members and the public about the crisis of sexual violence in Tigray. Join forces with advocacy groups and human rights organizations to mobilize support for swift action. By taking a resolute stand against sexual violence in Tigray, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, dignity, and human rights. Let us wholeheartedly embrace the significance of the UN Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict and work towards a future where sexual violence is banished, ensuring that every individual can bask in the light of freedom and security they deserve. Thank you