The International Oromo Youth Association (IOYA) is an umbrella organization for all Oromo Youth Associations and Student Unions across the world. IOYA was established in 2006 with the vision of engaging in a multifaceted struggle to bring freedom, justice, equality and development to the Oromo people. In addition, IOYA is committed to alleviate the economic, social, and human rights deprivations of the Oromo nation at no cost to any other nation or country.

Staying in line with our vision, we strongly believe that, as a Diaspora community, it is our responsibility to advocate not only for the youth in Diaspora but also for all Oromos across the globe, including those in our motherland Oromia.

One of the many ways we have been trying to accomplish these goals is by organizing Human Rights rallies in Washington DC and Minnesota for the past three years. The purpose of these rallies is to protest against the ethnic cleansing that is directed at Oromos and other oppressed people by the minority led Ethiopian regime. The rallies usually begin at State Department heading to the State Capitol.

We have made a promise to be the voice for our voiceless people and bring light to Human Rights abuses in Oromia and surrounding areas. Hence, no matter how little the change our rallies might bring, we are committed to holding those who commit atrocities against our people accountable for their actions.

Also, since our inception, IOYA has been organizing annual Oromo Youth Leadership Conference (OYLC), which took place in Minneapolis, MN, for the past three years following the summer events. The primary focus of this conference is to bring Oromo youth from around the world and educate them about their identity and empower them to be effective leaders in their community. About 50 youth along with several great speakers from all over the world have participated in the conference each year.

Another great contribution of IOYA is Ogina. Ogina is a web-based (maga)zine featuring art, literature, interviews, and criticism that relate, directly or indirectly, to the experiences of Oromo in Diaspora. In our first issue of Ogina, each of the contributions has taken on the task of creating art and conversation that looks both forward and backward. We look backward by drawing on the history we know to be painfully present, and look forward by finding new ways to understand and think about our situation.

What you have read above is a small glimpse of the International Oromo Youth Association. If you have more questionos or want to be part of IOYA email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it