Our Mission & A Key Achievement

Advocacy for Oromia (A4O) is dedicated to improving the settlement process and advancing the wellbeing of the Australian-Oromo community. A pivotal achievement this year was supporting four Oromo asylum seekers in securing permanent residence. This success has provided hope and stability for individuals facing uncertain futures, and it underscores our core mission to empower people through direct support, information, and advocacy.

Celebrating Oromo Culture at the Multicultural Peace Festival

(Melbourne, March 11, 2023) – Oromo youth proudly represented their heritage at the Multicultural Peace Festival, an event celebrating cultural diversity and commemorating the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).

Adorned in traditional clothing, the youth presented on stage the pillars of Oromo culture, including the Gada system, conflict resolution under the Odaa tree, the Siinqee institution that protects women’s rights, and a deep-rooted tradition of respecting human rights.

In their speech, they emphasized the Oromo people’s profound respect for peace, or “nagaa”. “The concept of peace is highly valued within the Oromo community,” one youth stated, “and is something we continuously fight for.”

The Universal Value of Peace: A Message from Melbourne

A common theme in our work is that peace is most cherished by those who have been deprived of it. This was powerfully echoed at the ‘Peace Journey’ event on May 27, 2023, in Melbourne, held to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration of World Peace.

The event, attended by about 200 community leaders, youth, and officials, featured speeches from figures like Federal Member Keith Wolahan and Brigadier Bob Slater. The Brigadier highlighted the immense cost of military conflict, urging the world to prioritize peaceful conflict resolution.

The Cost of Conflict in Oromia

Advocacy for Oromia is acutely aware of the violence stemming from the lack of peace in our homeland. Since the late 19th century, the peace-loving Oromo people have endured severe oppression, betrayal, and persecution. This ongoing conflict has resulted in the tragic loss of countless lives, the destruction of property, and the premature sacrifice of talented individuals who could have helped develop the nation and eradicate poverty. Oromia continues to bleed, longing for the peace it has been denied for over 150 years.

Our Founding Commitment

Founded in 2014, Advocacy for Oromia began as a self-help group with a clear purpose: to enable and empower the Oromo people. We provide accurate information, referrals, and direct case support to help individuals make informed choices and create the future they wish to live. We remain committed to standing with the disadvantaged and working towards a world where all people are empowered to overcome challenges and create opportunities for themselves and others.