They paid tribute to the families of political prisoners
Ethiopian and Eritrean in Toronto, Canada, have gathered to celebrate new year together at Hirut Restaurant, in Toronto on December 31st, 2017. The event is organized by Unity for Human Rights and Democracy (UHRD), a Toronto-based not for profit organization. The program commenced with a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of political killings in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The organizers of the event stated that the program is mainly about celebrating the resilience of refugees to get to Canada passing through several hurdles and their accomplishments in the year 2017. The organizers also stated that creating the platform for the refugees from the two communities to welcoming the new year with new hope and optimism is the second objective of the event. In this regard, the UHRD reported that it was able to provide regular monthly financial assistance to 6 families of political prisoners in Ethiopia during 2017. It expressed its hope with growing support of the community that it intends to increase its support. Unity noted the ever increasing number of political prisoners in Ethiopia. Particularly, following
the declaration of state of emergency in Ethiopia in October 2016, more
than 25,000 people were arrested, and currently more than 5,000 of
these individuals are believed to be held in detention. The families of
these people are suffering from the absence of their loved ones and impoverished due to the loss of breadwinners of the family. In light of this, the organizer noted that there is a need to scale up the support to families of political prisoners.
Further, the organizers announced that they will endorse new initiative of the Solidarity Movement for New Ethiopia (SMNE). This initiative will aim to bring Ethiopians more closer in search of common values and goals. The message of the SMNE Executive Director, Obang Metho, was delivered at the event, and fundraising event for the support of this initiative was held.
The event featured the performance of Toronto-based Ethiopian artists. They electrified the hall and moved the audience with their excellent performance. The organizers thanked these artists who volunteered their time and talent for free in the most expensive night of the year. The artists expressed that donating their time and talent is the least they could do in assisting the struggle for freedom in Ethiopia. The audience dinned on traditional Habesha and European cousin prepared by volunteers. The
program was successful in raising funds for the families of political prisoner in Ethiopia, SMNE new initiative and fostering social and
cultural solidarity between Habsesha community in Toronto. The night was concluded with a wish to organize a bigger event for the next new year eve. 
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