30 April 2008

Amnesty International to release new report on conflict in Somalia

As reports of gross violations by Ethiopian forces in Somalia increase, Amnesty International will release on Tuesday, 6 May at a press conference in Nairobi a major new report revealing the dire human rights and humanitarian crisis facing the Somali people.

The report contains first-hand testimony from dozens of survivors of the conflict that details the violations and abuses they have suffered at the hands of a complex mix of perpetrators – including Ethiopian and Transitional Federal Government troops on the one hand, and non-state armed groups on the other.

Violations include widespread rape, looting, the destruction of entire neighbourhoods, and killings – including what is locally termed “killing like goats”, referring to killing by slitting the throat.

A full copy of the report will be available at the press conference.

Details:

Who:        Michelle Kagari, Africa Deputy Programme Director, Amnesty International; David Copeman, East Africa Campaigner, Amnesty International.

When:        11.00 am, Tuesday, 6 May 2008

Where:        The Sarova Stanley Hotel, corner of Kimathi Street and Kenyatta Ave, Nairobi, Kenya

Refreshments will be provided.