At the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the UK delivered a poignant statement addressing Eritrea’s persistent human rights challenges.
This article delves into the UK’s observations, the specific human rights violations in Eritrea, and the international community’s role in fostering change.
UK’s Position on Eritrea’s Human Rights
During the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Adoption of Eritrea, the UK acknowledged Eritrea’s engagement with the UPR process and its acceptance of several recommendations. Notably, the UK commended Eritrea for agreeing to improve healthcare and education sectors.
However, concerns remain regarding the incomplete implementation of comprehensive human rights protections.
“We thank Eritrea for engaging with the UPR process and we note the recommendations that the government has accepted,” the UK spokesperson stated.
“We are pleased to see that these include a number of recommendations relating to healthcare and education.”
Persistent Human Rights Violations in Eritrea
Despite these positive steps, Eritrea continues to grapple with severe human rights issues that demand urgent attention.
Indefinite Military Conscription and Forced Labor
Eritrea imposes mandatory indefinite national military service, which often equates to forced labor or slavery. This practice:
- Forces individuals, including children, into prolonged military service without clear end dates
- Subjects women conscripts to sexual and gender-based violence in training camps
- Disrupts education by requiring young people to spend their final year of secondary school in military training
Arbitrary Detention and Enforced Disappearances
The Eritrean government frequently:
- Arbitrarily detains political dissidents, journalists, and religious group members
- Engages in enforced disappearances, leaving many detainees’ fates unknown
- Denies detainees the right to judicial review and access to legal counsel
Severe Restrictions on Freedom of Religion
Religious freedom in Eritrea is heavily restricted:
- Only four official religions are recognized, with others banned or severely limited
- Members of unregistered religious groups face arbitrary detention and persecution
- Religious minorities experience widespread discrimination and harassment
Overview of Eritrea’s Human Rights Issues
Human Rights Issue |
Description |
|---|---|
| Indefinite Military Conscription | Mandatory prolonged military service, including forced labor and gender-based violence |
| Arbitrary Detention | Detention of dissidents, journalists without legal counsel |
| Freedom of Religion Restrictions | Limited recognition of religions, persecution of unregistered religious groups |
| Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Violations | Discrimination and forced displacement of the Afar Indigenous People |
| Lack of Political Freedom | One-party state, absence of elections, no independent civil society or judiciary |
International Community’s Role
The UK urged Eritrea to collaborate with the international community to implement the accepted recommendations.
“We would like to very much encourage the government of Eritrea to engage with the international community to support implementation, noting the challenges faced by the government in previous cycles,” the UK representative emphasized.
However, there is apprehension that the spread of accepted recommendations indicates a limited commitment to fully promoting and protecting all human rights.
Focal Concerns Highlighted by the UK
- Non-Implementation of the 1997 Constitution: The UK expressed disappointment that Eritrea did not adopt the 1997 constitution, which is crucial for safeguarding civil and political rights.
- Restricted Access for Special Rapporteurs: The denial of access to UN Special Rapporteurs hampers the monitoring and improvement of human rights conditions.
Call for Comprehensive Reforms
The UK reiterated the necessity for Eritrea to undertake significant reforms in governance, military practices, and human rights approaches.
“We reiterate our belief that these recommendations would support the promotion and protection of all human rights for all Eritrean citizens,” the UK official stated.
Enhanced cooperation with Human Rights Council mandate holders is vital, especially since Eritrea remains a member of the council.
To Summarize
As the international community watches closely, the UK’s statement at the UN Human Rights Council 57 underscores the urgent need for Eritrea to address its human rights shortcomings comprehensively.
Effective implementation of recommendations and genuine cooperation with international bodies are essential steps towards ensuring the protection and promotion of human rights for all Eritreans.
Sources: THX News & UK Mission to the WTO, UN and Other International Organisations (Geneva).
