Freedom of expression, association, and assembly are all taken for granted in America, but in Ethiopia these fundamental rights are denied and limited; and the end result of trying to fight for it is arbitrary arrests, detentions and beatings by the Ethiopian authorities. Almost all human rights groups have been removed and several organizations have been completely closed. More journalists have fled Ethiopia than any other country due to threats and intimidation. This violation of basic human rights should not be tolerated and is important because it is causing innocent people to be beaten and arrested for having their own thoughts; they too are fleeing the country just out of fear. I believe people shouldn't be afraid to speak their mind or express their opinion without fear of being targeted. John Kerry, an American politician and current Secretary of State, is pushing hard to promote peace and democracy in Ethiopia. It has had a great impact on the country through continuous repression. Strongly urges the Ethiopian Government to end arbitrary arrests, release all unjustly detained or convicted activists and journalists, and promptly amend the draconian laws on freedom of association and terrorism that have often been used to justify arbitrary arrests and political prosecutions. He met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Foreign Minister Tedros Adhanom for these discussions on attempting to transition to a democracy and giving the Ethiopian people the basic human rights they deserve. <Secretary Kerry says the threat of violence or all-out war "prevents even the first green shoots of prosperity from emerging." But he says Africans today have an opportunity... middle of paper... Ethiopia. Protest organizations have been created, and are still being created, but they are highly censored and most people fear starting one because they risk being jailed. < “Security forces responded to protests by the Muslim community in Oromia and in Addis Ababa, the capital, with arbitrary arrests, detentions and beatings.” http://www.hrw.org/world-report/2013/country-chapters/ethiopia There needs to be a peace treaty or “amendment” introduced into government that highlights the importance of free speech and how citizens will not be targeted or arrested when they speak their minds. If this were to be put in place and followed, the Ethiopian people would be able to express their opinion without having to worry about what happens to them or their loved one. This solution will not be the simplest, but once adopted it will have the greatest effect of all the solutions.