HRC41 Oral Statement during ID with Special Rapporteur on Eritrea

Agenda Item 4:Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation for human rights in Eritrea

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you Mr. President.

CSW welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s report highlighting the ongoing and egregious violations in Eritrea.

As her report illustrates, the human rights crisis persists. Peace with Ethiopia has not resulted in demobilisation or any perceptible improvements. Civilians continue to flee in large numbers.

Contrary to Eritrea’s belligerent response to her press release on violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in the lead up to and during the Council session, there is no tangible evidence of a ‘concrete situation on religion and religious harmony.’

On 24 June, a Catholic nun was detained in Keren. 24 hours earlier, security officers had raided a Faith Missions Church gathering, also in Keren, arresting the congregation, including pregnant women, children and at least one entire family. The church has been awaiting a decision on registration since 2002. Faith Mission Church members are now being arrested from their homes.

For example, within a 24 hour period from 12-13 June, the authorities seized health facilities belonging to the Catholic Church, and detained five Orthodox priests from Debre Bizen Monastery.

Also in June, Mr Said Mohamed became the third person to die while indefinitely detained in connection with the attempted seizure of the Al Dia’a Islamic School in Asmara, following harsh imprisonment and delayed medical attention.

On 17 May, 30 Christians were arrested at gatherings in three locations in Godaif. This followed the arrests of 141 Christians, including 14 minors, in Maitemenai, Asmara, only fifty of whom have reportedly been released.

The fact these violations largely targeted religious groups that theoretically have permission to function, and occurred before and during the current session, illustrates the government’s confidence in abusing the rights of citizens flagrantly and with impunity.

Eritrea is one of 22 countries that has never received any Special Procedure, despite requests from numerous mandate-holders. With continuing violations that amount to crimes against humanity, the Council’s credibility is at stake if monitoring and reporting on Eritrea’s compliance with its human rights obligations is eased or dispensed with.

In light of the Rapporteur’s report and continuing grave violations, CSW urges the Council to ensure the renewal her mandate, and calls on the Eritrean government to fully cooperate with UN mechanisms, and facilitate full enjoyment of every human right for its citizens.

Thank you.