UN Human Rights Council 49: UK statement for the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea

Thank you, Mr President.

The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for his update, and we take this opportunity to reaffirm our full support for his mandate.

We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing human rights situation in Eritrea. We urge Eritrea to release all those who have been arbitrarily detained, to progress with National Service reform, and guarantee freedom of religion or belief. We should also reflect on the sad death of Patriarch Abune Antonios, held incommunicado for 16 years.

The continued involvement of Eritrean forces in the Tigray conflict remains a serious barrier to peace. Eritrea should withdraw its troops, accept the report of the recent Joint Investigation by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, and fully investigate all alleged breaches of international law by Eritrean actors identified in the report.

Mr President, we note that UN agencies were allowed to visit Eritrea in January. We remain hopeful that this may signal a new willingness by Eritrea to engage with international institutions on human rights, and to make much needed progress on implementing its accepted UPR recommendations.

Special Rapporteur,

What are your views on prospects for Eritrean cooperation with your mandate, and with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia once established, now that the Commissioners have been appointed, including in light of the UN’s recent visit?