May 17, 2012 Dear President Obama: Your ... - Oakland Institute

President Barack Obama and Dr. Rajiv Shah, USAID administrator
Dear President Obama and USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah:
By continuing to provide huge amounts of aid to Ethiopia, the US is in partnership with a
repressive regime that puts large-scale agricultural investment and for-profit access to
Ethiopia's fertile lands over the well-being and land rights of indigenous and local people.
The forced relocation of residents of Gambella has caused great hardship to tens of thousands
including rape, other violent acts, coercion, and intimidation. We do not believe that USAID
should support such endeavors and ask for due diligence in respect to the human rights of the
people of Gambella.
The US government should not condone these horrific acts as the price Ethiopians must pay for
development and food security in Ethiopia. We ask you to look at the facts regarding the kind
of investments occurring in Ethiopia and to ensure US assistance actually benefits local
communities and not just the interests of a minority.
Name From Comments
1. Stephen Nicklay Moorhead, MN
2. Karen Yatsko Bethesda, MD
3. Leonie Hitchenor Umina Beach,
Australia
4. Christine Stewart Escondido, CA
5. Freya Harris Atlanta, GA
6. Arwen Murakami Narashino, Japan
7. Sheila Parker Georgetown, MA
8. Peter Colenberg Onna-son, Okinawa,
Japan
9. john forsyth Winnipeg, Canada
10. Eduardo Henrique
Barroso de
Oliveira
11. Rachel Lynn No, IL
São Paulo, Brazil
12. Aaaa Bbbb Bbb, New Zealand
13. Amanda Benson Fairfield, IA
14. Elizabeth
Guapyassu
Rowlett, TX
15. Claudia Mulder Cape Town, South
Africa
16. Vicki Berg Gold Coast, Australia
Page 1 - Signatures 1 - 16