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Anthropologists credit the Horn of Africa as a cradle of humanity. There is also ample evidence that suggests the Upper Nile Valley of the Horn is a cradle of civilization closely related to the civilization of Ancient Egypt. Because of its geopolitical significance, the region has been the site of serious historical conflicts and changes since antiquity. More recently, the Horn of Africa has become one of the flashpoints of natural and manmade disasters, such as famine in Ethiopia and genocide in Rwanda and Darfur (western Sudan). Credible international human rights groups, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have been reporting egregious human rights violations in Ethiopia, particularly against the Oromo people. Genocide Watch, the coordinator of international campaign to end genocide, has put Ethiopia on its watch list by issuing a statement on January 8 (updated on January 23), 2004 regarding "genocidal massacres of Anuak people in and around Gambella, Ethiopia". There is a serious concern that violations of human rights of the Oromo people have also escalated to the level of genocide by a synchronized attack on different aspects of the life of the people.
Even though they account for about 50% of the population in Ethiopia, there is neither radio nor TV that is allowed to educate the Oromo people on their basic rights. On the contrary, recently a forty year-old Oromo civic society, which used to educate them on their basic human rights is harshly repressed and closed down with all of its leaders imprisoned. Practically, all avenues to work from within have failed. It is this situation that has necessitated the creation of Advocacy for Fundamental Rights of the Oromos and Others (AFRO).
The main goal of the AFRO is to contribute toward respect for and advancement of the collective and individual human rights recognized by the International Covenants on Human Rights and related legal instruments. AFRO's advocacy is guided by the precept that "all human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and interrelated". Based on the internationally recognized precept that respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is the cornerstone of peace and justice, AFRO is committed to contribute toward the advancement of the cause of peace and justice in the Horn of Africa through advocacy of respect for and protection of human rights and fundamental justice in the region.
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To advocate for protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms to reverse the existing trend that fosters a cycle of strife;
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To monitor and report human rights violations to seek accountability of state and non-state agents responsible for crimes against humanity and to deter potential violator; and
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To assist in redressing wrongs suffered by victims of violations of human rights.
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