HRC58 - Iceland statement - Adoption of A/HRC/59/L.1/Rev.1: Discontinuation of the Mandate of the SR on Eritrea

Mr. President,

Iceland agrees that counter-resolution L.1/Rev.1 presented by Eritrea sets a dangerous precedent to the working methods of the Council and the mandates it adopts, be they country-specific or thematic. 

We recall the principles of constructive cooperation for promotion and protection of all human rights. Accountability for human rights violations is imperative for building and sustaining peace. It is the duty of this Council to take action when human rights violations occur. Ideally, this happens with the consent and cooperation of the country concerned.

We call on Eritrea to work with any mechanisms created by the Council and to provide the Special Rapporteur with access to the country. Further, we encourage engagement with the Office of the High Commissioner.

Iceland notes the reports of the Special Rapporteur expressing concern over the critical human rights situation in Eritrea, highlighting lack of action towards accountability for the reported human rights violations and abuses. 

Furthermore, Iceland regrets the last-minute revisions made by Eritrea to resolution L1. Had technical cooperation been the aim, these elements would have been included from the start, and not two days before adoption.

For these reasons, Iceland believes that the mandate of the SR on Eritrea must be renewed and will vote no on L.1/Rev.1 and calls on all other states to do the same.