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<p>I [Minister Duddridge] am concerned by ongoing reports of human rights violations
against the Oromo people that included the murder of Ethiopian musician Hachalu Hundessa
on 29 June, and the violence that followed in Addis Ababa and the Oromia region. I
[Minister Duddridge] visited Ethiopia from 27 - 29 July and was able to discuss these
issues with the President, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the President
of Oromia Region. I [Minister Duddridge] pushed for full and transparent investigations
into the violence and that those detained are afforded due process and their cases
heard promptly. I [Minister Duddridge] also expressed the need for more peaceful dialogue
between different ethnic groups in Ethiopia and for space to be given for political
debate.</p><p>The UK welcomes the efforts of the Government of Ethiopia to strengthen
accountability. We also support civil society organisations in Ethiopia so that they
can play an increasing role in monitoring human rights. We will track the situation,
raise our concerns at the deaths of civilians, and raise the importance of respect
for human rights in meetings with the Government of Ethiopia and regional leaders.</p>
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