Adiam Haile Rufael our sister and activist who truly believes in FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE! NY Demo in Support of the COIE, Oct. 29, 2015.
(Photo courtesy of United Eritrea Media).
We the People did it!!!!! “FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE” our message, our theme, our slogan are not just words or an afterthought it is a statement that we Justice Seekers/Delayti Fithi embodied to make our demonstration in New York in Support of the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea (COIE), on October 29, 2015, the most HISTORICAL demonstration in North America.
The thousands of demonstrators who participated to support the COIE in New York and Geneva reflects the sentiment of many Eritreans across the world who are fed up with the circumstances of our nation Eritrea, a nation without “rule of law” and the absence of Human Rights, for the Eritrean people. Although it feels great to see successful demonstrations across the world, it is bittersweet, because the Eritrean people are still suffering and our nation Eritrea is failing at this very moment. As justice seekers we must continue to actively do anything and everything it takes to raise awareness and find solutions in regards to the current tragic state of our nation and our people. As justice seekers we must begin to STOP thinking, of ourselves, as purely members of the opposition, we are more than that. We are members of the Eritrean society who want to see Eritrea and our people who reside in Eritrea, flourish, succeed and achieve democratic values, fundamental human rights, basic economic living standards, justice, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; just like we all do here in the United States of America and Canada. It should not solely be the responsibility of Eritrean justice seekers to work towards these freedoms for our people, rather it is also the responsibility of ALL Eritreans, to ensure that our nation is democratic.
Our ancestors before us sacrificed their lives for Eritrea to be a sovereign state and the Eritrean people to have basic freedoms, human rights and to live as respected citizens and dignity in their own nation. I repeat it is the responsibility and moral obligation of ALL Eritreans to save our nation Eritrea and our brothers and sisters!
The movement for democratic change for Eritrea has come a long way and at our demonstration in support of the COIE in New York, on October 29, 2015, the huge number of women demonstrators and most importantly women who lead in organizing the successful demonstration in support of the COIE shows the power and strength of WOMEN. Another turning point is the participation of Eritrean Americans born and or raised in the diaspora, who traveled from all over to participate and be a voice for our voiceless brothers and sisters. Our religious leaders coming together to lead us in the march for democratic change and bless the demonstration with their words and spirit throughout the day was inspirational and touching. The overall diverse participation of our local Eritrean communities, women, youth, young adults, children, our mothers and fathers, religious leaders and our veterans/ex-tegadelti; UNITED, in the name of Democracy, Justice and Human Rights for Eritrean people, proves that UNITED, “We the People” can do all things; and a future democratic Eritrea is inevitable.
“We the People” will not sleep until justice and democracy prevail in Eritrea and for the Eritrean people.
Awet nye Hizbina Nye Gedeneyu!
Peace & Love, Haftakum/Your Sister,
Adiam Haile Rufael
