Emperor Haile Selassie I and Switzerland: A Voice for Justice at the League of Nations

🇨🇭 Switzerland — The Stage of World Conscience

Switzerland, known for its neutrality and diplomacy, became the global stage where Emperor Haile Selassie I delivered one of the most powerful speeches in modern history.

It was in Geneva, at the League of Nations (the precursor to today’s United Nations), that Haile Selassie stood not just for Ethiopia, but for the dignity and rights of all oppressed peoples.

The Historic Visit: 1936

In June 1936, after the brutal invasion of Ethiopia by fascist Italy, Haile Selassie traveled to Geneva.
He addressed the Assembly of the League of Nations in a moment of unmatched courage and clarity.
Despite sabotage attempts (including heckling from Italian journalists), he stood firm and delivered his speech in Amharic, with translations provided afterward.

✒️ His words — “It is us today. It will be you tomorrow.” — warned the world about the dangers of ignoring injustice.

The Content of His Speech

Haile Selassie’s address emphasized:

The violation of international law by Mussolini’s Italy.
The use of chemical weapons and other atrocities committed against Ethiopians.
A call for collective security, justice, and true peace among nations.

He wasn’t just fighting for Ethiopia — he was defending the very principles the League claimed to stand for.

Global Impact

Though the League ultimately failed to stop Italy’s aggression, Haile Selassie’s moral victory was overwhelming.
His speech placed Ethiopia at the center of international conscience.
It inspired future generations of anti-colonial leaders, human rights activists, and freedom fighters across Africa and the world.

In Switzerland, Haile Selassie became a symbol of resistance, justice, and dignified leadership.

Ethiopia’s Place in the World

After the speech:

Ethiopia became a symbol of African dignity and the fight against imperialism.
Haile Selassie earned immense respect even among ordinary Europeans, despite the political failures of their leaders.
Switzerland’s neutral setting allowed the Emperor to speak truth to power on a global stage.

Final Reflection

In Switzerland, Emperor Haile Selassie I proved that even when armies fail, the voice of truth, courage, and righteousness can shake the halls of power.
His Geneva speech remains one of the greatest calls for international justice and human rights ever made.

Switzerland will forever be linked with this immortal moment of world history.