![]() We see discrimination every day in all aspects of life, including housing, education, the criminal justice system and employment. And racism is an ongoing public health crisis that needs our attention now! Racism attacks people’s physical and mental health. Racism is a longstanding systemic structure in this country that must be dismantled, through brutally honest conversations, policy changes and practices. We also join in the chorus for justice and ring the alarm to all Americans. ![]() We weep for the man, his family and a country that continues to allow this to happen. We are appalled but are not surprised by the despicable way Floyd was killed. We raise our voices, too, horrified, stunned and angered. With those last words, George Floyd, an unarmed, handcuffed black man, died this week after being pinned down by a white Minneapolis police officer, an atrocious action that has sparked outrage throughout the nation. The celebration was also honoured by the presence of the President of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, the Guest of Honour.Statement from APHA Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD In 2015, the ceremonies were attended by Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn First Lady Roman Tesfaye Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonen and other high-ranking government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps. Every year, thousands of people representing all the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia are participating, as well as senior officials. This event is an illustration of the link between the 2003 and the 2005 Convention where intangible heritage is an inspiration for modern and creative performances promoting the diversity of cultural expression. Each ethnical group is invited to share their culture and creativity, particularly through live performances. The 11th Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day will be hosted in 2016 in Harar by the Harari Regional State. In 2012, Bahir Dar (Amhara Region), in 2013, Jigjiga (Somali Regional State), in 2014, Asosa (Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State), and in 2015, Gambela ( Gambela Regional State) hosted the festival. The festival is hosted each year in a different regional state or autonomous city-administrations. The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia ensures the human and democratic rights of all the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia without exception and it has granted equality and mutual cooperation to them all. It also underlines the fact that Ethiopia has been and still is the common home for all. In fact, this day provides a vital and important demonstration of the strong commitment and respect of the Federal Government and of its peoples for all the nations, nationalities and peoples of Ethiopia, and of their individual cultures, territories and modes of life. The Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day affirms the necessity of respect for the fundamental rights of individuals and of the nations and nationalities of the country as well as the development of the country’s various cultures and religions. It has become an engine to boost tourism and investment in the host regions. ![]() The day was designed to contribute to the effort of creating one political and economic community in the country, and to celebrate it across the country. A decade ago, the House of federation decided to celebrate every 8 December the Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Day to promote their cultures, lifestyles and other values, and to strengthen their ties. The day on which the rights and equality of the Ethiopian nations, nationalities and peoples were fully guaranteed under Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Constitution was 8 December 1994.
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