August 28, 2022
UNESCO World Heritage Center
Paris, France
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing this letter to hear UNESCO’s voice on the
Karrayyu Abba Gadaas killing by government forces.
The Gada system, the indigenous democratic socio-political
system of the Oromo people, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s
list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
https://ich.unesco.org › gada-system-an-indigenous-de…
The idea is to have UNESCO condemn the summary execution
of Karrayyu Abba Gadaas by government forces in broad
daylight. The deed was confirmed by a state minister, an MP,
and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
In a live Facebook video, Hangasa Ibrahim, a member of the
House of People’s Representatives accused the head of Oromia
2
police commissions, commissioner Ararsa Merdasa of being
behind the killings. Likewise, the state minister of peace, Taye
Dendea, on his personal Facebook page with over half a million
followers, the state minister implied that the Karrayyu Gadaa
leaders were killed by elements within the regional government.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said there
was “reasonable ground to believe” that the killing of Gadaa
leaders constitutes “extrajudicial killing” by security forces and
urged that members of the security forces who committed the
killings should be brought to justice and that the victims and
families of the victims should be compensated.
Let the world hear about how political and spiritual leaders of an
indigenous society were killed like wild animals and UNESCO
would have expressed its concern.
We take pride in the Gadaa system as Oromos, but our people
suffered alone when it was under attack despite preserving our
culture. This news was not even reported by any international
outlet. Our people continue suffering in darkness.
The Karrayyu Abba Gadaas were taken from a place of worship
and summarily executed. Bringing this to the international
community such as rights groups including indigenous human
rights defenders and UNESCO might pave the way for justice
and accountability.
The UNESCO registers cultural heritages that have an
‘outstanding universal value’ and those that ‘transcend national
boundaries and are of common importance for present and
3
future generations of all humanity.’ The Gada system has
international significance and belongs to the world regardless of
nationality.
The International Oromo Women’s Organization request
UNESCO, to condemn the killings of the Karrayyuu Abba
Gadaas.
Thanks,
Sincerely,
//dinknesh//
Dinknesh D Kitila
IOWO Board Director
UNESCO World Heritage Center
