A Seminar in Commemoration of Decades of Incommunicado Detention of Eritrean prisoners of conscience

 ‘Hidmona’- Eritrean- Canadians HumanRights Group of Manitoba

Date: August 24, 2011

Subject: Invitation to attend Seminar

On behalf of the Eritrean-Canadian Human Rights Group of Manitoba, it is our privilege to invite you to attend a seminar titled "Enough! 20 Years of Tyranny: A Seminar in Commemoration of Decades of Incommunicado Detention of Eritrean prisoners of conscience " to be held at the Convocation Hall at the University of Winnipeg, on September 18, 2011, from 5:00PM to 7:00PM.

The Eritrean-Canadian Human Rights Group of Manitoba was formed in October 2009 to raise awareness with respect to the gross and massive violation of human rights in Eritrea; a country aptly called, 'the North Korea of Africa' or referred to as a 'Tiny Country; Giant Prison' by several international human rights watchdogs.

The Keynote Speaker, Mr. Dan Connell, a distinguished Lecturer, of the Departments of Communication and Political Science/International Relations, at Simmons College, Boston, is the author of numerous articles and books, including among others, Conversations with Eritrean Political Prisoners (2004.) As a journalist and writer, Mr. Connell has lectured and published extensively on both pre and post-independence Eritrean politics and society. Arguably, the most prominent western expert on Eritrea, Mr. Dan Connell is well-suited to shed light on the Eritrean plight.

The seminar will primarily focus on the events of September 18, 2001, when the present Eritrean regime started its massive crack-down, much like the Stalinist purges of the Soviet Union. The victims included high-level government officials including ministers, religious leaders, elders, journalists and other dissidents. The private press was shut down. The regime officially embarked on the road to tyranny. Ten years later, the victims remain disappeared; their whereabouts unknown.

It is our sincere hope that you will be able to attend this seminar as our special guest.
There will be Eritrean cultural food. Entrance is free; voluntary donations would be appreciated.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Seminar Program Coordinator below,

Bereket Yohannes: 782-6562

Chairman:Ghezae Hagos; Senior Legal Counsel: David Matas; Legal Counsel: Bashir A. Khan

Address: 513 Oakland Avenue, Winnipeg, MB., R2G 0B6

The Seminar is sponsored by:

Institute of Global College at University of Winnipeg,
The Canadian Human Rights Museum
The League of Rights of Bnai’ Brith Canada
The Menno Simmons College of University of Winnipeg
Amnesty International
Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC)
CKUW Ra

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