HRC41: Oral Statement during Eritrea UPR outcome

Agenda Item 6:Eritrea

Organisation: Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW)

Speaker: Claire Denman

Thank you Mr President,

While CSW welcomes Eritrea’s willingness to accept recommendations on working towards peace and engaging constructively with the OHCHR, we note with regret that it rejected every recommendation calling for cooperation with Special Procedures.

The severity of the human rights situation in Eritrea, illustrated starkly in the Commission of Inquiry’s report, warrants the Council’s ongoing attention. We urge Member States to support the forthcoming resolution on Eritrea, particularly in view of the government’s unwillingness to action or adhere to basic human rights practices and principles, including its failure to accept recommendations to:

1)Implement a constitution that fully protects and promotes human rights;

2)Establish a national human rights institution;

3)End indefinite military service, including for under 18s;

4)End arbitrary arrests, torture, and indefinite detention without trial or charge.

In addition, Eritrea received a number of recommendations pertaining to the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB); the majority of which were noted. Meanwhile, egregious violations persist, as was noted by the Special Rapporteur in her recent news release.

During May, 171 Christians, including at least 14 minors, were arrested in Asmara and Godaif. In June, Mr Said Mohamed died, following severe mistreatment in detention and delayed access to medical attention. Members of Faith Mission Church are currently being arrested in their homes and work places in Keren.

Twenty one Catholic-owned health centres were closed down despite the fact that this faith community is permitted to operate in Eritrea. Photographs have just emerged of nuns being evicted from a centre in Zaghir, as property is carried away on a lorry.

CSW calls on Eritrea to facilitate FoRB for all citizens, and urges the immediate release of all prisoners of conscience. We also call on the government to implement the Nelson Mandela Rules, and to conduct full and transparent investigations into deaths in detention.

Thank you