HRC47 - NB8 statement - SR on Eritrea

JUNI 2021 – HRC open dialogue ERITREA (incl Tigray)

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.

We would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for his update.

We reiterate our grave concerns of Eritrean forces presence and continuing reports of serious human rights violations[, including arbitrary killings, SGBV, destruction of food-production, looting of humanitarian aid, mass displacement of civilians and forced returns of refugees.] in Tigray. We welcome the March agreement between President Afwerki and Prime Minister Abiy on the withdrawal of Eritrean troops from Tigray and call for immediate implementation of the withdrawal

We welcome the ongoing investigation by OHCHR and Ethiopian Commission for Human Rights of alleged human rights violations and abuses in Tigray. Impunity cannot be accepted; perpetrators need to be brought to justice in full respect of fair trial guarantees.

We remain concerned about persistent human rights violations and abuses in Eritrea[, including indefinite National Service, arbitrary and incommunicado detention, inhumane prison conditions, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, religion, or belief]. We call upon the Government to ensure the respect for all human rights of all its citizens. We strongly encourage the Government to implement accepted recommendations from the Universal periodic review.

Finally, we urge the Government to strengthen its engagement with the Council’s mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access to the country.

Dr. Babiker,

How can the international community support necessary efforts to improve the human rights situation in Eritrea [and address the situation of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers still present in Tigray/Ethiopia and those alleged being forcefully repatriated to Eritrea]?

Thank you.