By- Rahel Gettu
As a mother and sister, the tragic story of Heaven—a 7-year-old girl whose life was brutally stolen—pierces my heart with unimaginable pain. Heaven is in heaven now, but she leaves us in a hell of our own making. Her story is not just a singular tragedy; it is a reflection of a systemic failure that threatens our very humanity.
Heaven’s story is a poignant reminder of the systemic failures in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society. Her tragic murder is not just an isolated incident but a reflection of a broader crisis affecting women and children in Ethiopia. As a single mother and nurse, Heaven’s mother was saving lives while her own daughter’s life was brutally taken. This could happen to any of us, as we leave our children at home to earn a living. The authorities must recognize the broader implications of their decisions and the urgent need for change.
A Threat to Our Humanity
The murder of Heaven highlights the deep-seated issues within Ethiopia’s justice system, which has allowed injustices to persist for decades. The system’s failure to protect children and the most vulnerable is evident in the leniency shown to Heaven’s assailant, who received only a 25-year sentence and is appealing. The statement by Amhara Judges association, condemning the public outcry for causing undue pressure on the legal system, is nothing but a double standard. This reflects a justice system that prioritizes procedural rights over the safety and dignity of its citizens.
Heaven’s case is not unique. It is part of a larger crisis where the safety and dignity of women and children are constantly undermined. Recently, schoolgirls were raped by armed forces near Debre Tabor, in South Gondar- an atrocity that went largely unreported. These young girls, seeking education and a brighter future, had their dreams shattered by those meant to protect them. The media’s silence and lack of accountability highlight a disregard for women’s and children’s rights in our nation.
The Injustice Continues
Despite international treaties and constitutional protections meant to safeguard human rights, these protections remain largely theoretical, with little impact on the ground. The injustices have persisted for far too long. Children and women are unsafe even at their home in present-day Ethiopia, and the question looms large: if children aren’t safe at home, where would they be?
The Ethiopian Penal Code, under Article 620 and Article 540, clearly outlines the severe penalties for such heinous acts. Rape, particularly of a child, and murder are among the most egregious violations of human rights and dignity. These crimes not only devastate families but also terrorize entire communities.
A Call to Action
To the authorities and the Amhara Judges Association: How can you only advocate for the perpetrator’s constitutional right to appeal while failing to apply the most appropriate sentence for such a heinous crime? Also failing to advocate on behalf of women’s and children’s right to live safely in the country. If your role is to safeguard the law, why were your voices not heard when children were abducted, and women were sexually abused and rape was used as a weapon of war? Heaven’s life was precious, and her story is a stark reminder of the systemic failures that allow such crimes to occur. Are the lives of our children negotiable? I urge you to search your consciences and consider the broader implications of your actions. The world is watching, and the people of Ethiopia are calling for justice that reflects the gravity of this crime. Heaven’s family deserves more than procedural adherence; they deserve justice that honors their loss and ensures no other family suffers the same fate. The Amhara Judges association should also be in the forefront in seeking to reform the entire legal system ensuring that there is justice for all.
Heaven’s Legacy: A Movement for Change
Heaven’s legacy must be one of change and hope. We owe it to her and to every child and woman in Ethiopia to create a society where their lives and dreams are valued and protected.
This is not just a campaign for one child or one woman; it is a movement for a safer, more just Ethiopia. Let us come together, as a nation and as a global community, to ensure that Heaven’s legacy is not forgotten. We must act now to reform our justice system to reflect the values of justice, fairness, and protection for all. Heaven’s story, and the stories of countless others, demand that we act now. We have failed her flesh but let us not fail her spirit by taking away her legacy. This is a call to action for justice, for humanity, and for a better future.
