SUCH INHUMAN AND SHAMEFUL TREATMENT OF ETHIOPIAN MIGRANTS LIVING IN SAUDI ARABIA AND OTHER GULF STATES SHOULD BE STOPPED IMMEDIATELY.

by Garbis Korajian

November 22nd, 2013

I am a fourth generation Ethiopian-Armenian and, like many Armenians
who lived in Ethiopia, my grandparents took refuge in Ethiopia
after the Armenian Genocide. Those Armenians who were fortunate
enough to have escaped the Turkish atrocities and mass murders of
the early 20th century repatriated to different countries around the
world. Ethiopia was a country that provided unconditional support and
welcomed Armenians with open arms. We lived and prospered in Ethiopia
where we maintained our institutions such as our churches, schools
and community centers without any interference from the Government of
Ethiopia and its citizens. We were treated as brothers and sisters
and lived a good life. Although I now live in Canada, I still have
a lot of love for Ethiopia and the

people. Therefore, I find it necessary to say a few words about the
current mistreatment of Ethiopians in the Gulf States including
Saudi Arabia which has been the focus of despicable mistreatment
of Ethiopians. For various reasons, mostly economic, today’s young
Ethiopians are traveling abroad looking for better opportunities of
life through employment. For women, this is mostly domestic help and
for men, it would be construction or any other job they can find.

Needless to say, life for Ethiopians looking for work and to survive in
these countries is not easy. On top of these hardships, the Ethiopians
who are law abiding and hard working members of society are facing
persecution beyond anyone’s imagination. There is no justification
for such cruel behavior.

It is important to remember that one day, the citizens and its
descendants from the countries that are committing such atrocities on
helpless Ethiopians may very well seek refuge in Ethiopia as was done
1500 years ago. As always, what goes around always comes around. Do
not forget your history vis-a-vis Ethiopia and stop mistreating our
Ethiopian brothers and sisters living in your country. Start treating
them with decency and respect.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress