UN Human Rights Council 43: UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea
International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French delivers UK statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on Eritrea at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council on 26 February 2020.
Madam President,
The United Kingdom thanks the Special Rapporteur for her report and continued commitment to monitoring the human rights situation in Eritrea. We regret Eritrea’s lack of cooperation with her.
The United Kingdom acknowledges the tough path Eritrea has navigated and recognise areas of achievement, such as in some areas of health provision. And we do believe that Eritrea has a bright future, in partnership with its people, if based on an unqualified respect for human rights. However, we do remain concerned by the human rights situation. Progress is needed to respect rights to liberty and security of person, fair and equitable treatment of detainees, promotion of freedom of religion or belief, and the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. In this regard, we welcome Eritrea’s acceptance of UPR recommendations and look forward to Eritrea’s Four Year Plan for Action for implementing them. We stand ready to provide support.
We will also continue to press for specific reforms including for: the National Service; freedom of religion or belief for worshippers of unregistered religions; and the release of arbitrarily detained individuals, including journalists.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
What is your assessment of Eritrea’s cooperation with international organisations, including those focussed on human rights such as the OHCHR?
Thank you.