Interactive dialogue: Oral update of Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in EritreaA/HRC/RES/41/1

Agenda Item 2: Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General.

Statement by: International Organization for All Forms Of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD)

Delivered by: Clélia Jeandin / GICJ

24 February 2021

Thank you Madam President,

It is regrettable that the human rights situation in Eritrea has not significantly improved and basic institutional systems are still not in place.

We are greatly concerned with arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual violence, and the restriction of freedom of expression and association among other grave human rights violations. These violations further regress any potential for peace. As in the Special Rapporteur’s latest report numerous serious human rights violations are committed through and by international operations, for example, trafficking of women and girls.

In light of this situation, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice strongly urge the international community to protect human rights in Eritrea by building durable solidarity within and across states. As well, necessary measures in accordance with international law must be taken towards ending direct or indirect funding of specific groups who threaten the lives of innocent civilians.

Madam President,

We also express deep concern with the situation of explosive mines especially considering the high risk that threatens schools and children in Eritrea. Additionally, there is a great need to address humanitarian and climate disasters that exacerbates the plight of many, especially children who suffer waterborne diseases, malnutrition and other deficiencies.

Finally, we would like to ask the Special Rapporteur; going beyond legislation what steps need to be taken to involve women in the decision-making processes particularly in regards to ending gender-based violence against women and girls and especially those in detention.

Thank you

Justice, Human rights, Geneva, geneva4justice, GICJ, Geneva International Centre For Justice