PRESS ADVISORY
Vice Chair Wala Blegay to Hold Press Conference on Council Resolution Condemning Violence and Human Rights Abuses in Tigray, Ethiopia
Local Community Will Gather to Encourage Support for Legislation Being Considered on September 12
Prince George’s County Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay, Esq. (District 6) will hold a press conference at the Wayne K. Curry Building (Tech Lounge) on Tuesday, September 12, at 12:30 p.m., to encourage support for CR-080-2023, a Council Resolution condemning acts of violence and human rights abuses in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
Vice Chair Blegay will join Legacy Tigray Advocacy Group Co-Founder Eden Kassa and over two dozen members of the local Tigray community to emphasize the urgent need to alleviate the suffering affected populations and address the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray. Press conference participants will share personal stories of family members who have been victims of widespread violence, including sexual and gender-based violence, forced displacement, extrajudicial killings, and other human rights violations.
CR-080-2023, proposed by Vice Chair Blegay, encourages the international community, regional organizations, and bilateral partners to support humanitarian organizations operating in Tigray and requests that the United Nations extend its investigation into war crimes and human rights violations in Tigray. The Council will vote on the measure during a scheduled Council session at 1:30 p.m., immediately following the press event.
Vice Chair Blegay says reports of human rights violations committed against civilians in Tigray are deeply concerning. “We call upon all parties involved in the conflict in Tigray to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, and take all necessary measures to ensure the protection of civilians,” said Blegay.
“The voices of survivors and witnesses in Tigray must be heard and respected throughout the investigation process,” said Eden Kassa, Co-Founder of Legacy Tigray Advocacy Group. “Their bravery is crucial in bringing to light the full extent of the atrocities committed. The international community must ensure justice is served and perpetrators are held accountable. Humanity should come first.”
What: Press Conference on Council Resolution -080-2023 – Condemnation of All Acts of Violence and Human Rights Abuses Against Civilians in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
When: Tuesday, September 12, 2023, 12:30 p.m.
Who: Vice Chair and District 6 Council Member Wala Blegay, Esq.
Eden Kassa, Co-Founder of Legacy Tigray Advocacy Group
DMV Community Coordinator, Mesfin Ayenew,
Local Tigray Community
*Press conference participants will be available to speak with media
Where: Technology Lounge; Wayne K. Curry Building; 1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, MD 20774
