International
Conference on Genocide
The conference organized by International
Association of Genocide Scholars was successfully concluded. The
conference was held at the National University of Ireland in
Galway from 7-10 June.
The conference was well attended and well represented by scholars
from different continents. Almost all the pioneers in genocide
studies were present as the field of study itself is relatively
young. There were about 40 panels covering all aspects of
genocide. Cases include, among others, the genocide of indigenous
peoples, the Holocaust, Rwanda, Cambodia, and Ethiopia.
A panel on Genocide in Ethiopia, participants and panel members
were assured that the ongoing genocide in Ethiopia has remarkable
resemblance with genocides in other parts of the world, especially
the one in Cambodia. The definition, the motives and the
preconditions for genocide are apparently visible in Ethiopia. It
is reiterated that the oppressed national groups faced brutal
atrocities and genocidal policies that resulted in massive
poverty, apartheid-style discrimination, neglect, famine,
destruction of environment, violence and widespread terrorism.
Papers were presented by Mekuria Bulcha
(Genocide by slavery and colonialism), Seyoum Hameso (Economic
genocide in Ethiopia), Fowsia Abdulkadir
(Genocidal policies in the Ogaden) and Trevor Trueman
(Is genocide in Ethiopia preventable?). Mohammed Hassen’s paper
“Cultural genocide in Ethiopia” was presented in absentia.
Panelists covered different areas where successive Ethiopian
governments used political, economic and social measures that
resulted in the death and destruction of millions of people.
Nothing explains this state of affairs than the current famine in
which between 12-15 million people face famine and most of who
risk death from starvation. If anyone is doubt that the famine is
the result of nature, the recent UN emergency unit report reveals
the paradox. In its mission findings, “green famine, despite
rains” the Emergency Unit, reported that people are dying at
alarming rate, especially in Sidama and Wolayta. It noted that
“structural deficiencies are a major part of the crises. A lack
of government transport and means of communication has made
monitoring and supervision difficult at best.” The same report
cites an example of a “mother of three, who lost her husband,
was unable to feed her youngest child – her breasts severely
emaciated. She and her children have to survive on one meal a day.
The kebele [local village] receives food aid since last month
only, most of which was quickly consumed. One mother spent her
only family ration for entertaining guests during the burial of
her daughter.”
The pursuit of famine as tool is genocide
by attrition, and the general seriousness of the situation is
communicated to all people of conscience.
The point now is what to do to deal with the consequences and to
prevent further genocide. Some suggested regime change. Some asked
the capacity of the political organizations representing the
oppressed national groups who are largely affected by genocide.
Others asked what the international community could do to prevent
the genocide. Accountability for the crimes of crimes, i.e.
genocide is also discussed.
Panelists agreed that their papers could be made available to the
general public in a more durable format. Source:
Sidama Concer
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