HRC59: Lack of progress in Human Rights Protection in Eritrea

The 59th Session of the Human Rights Council

16 June – 09 July 2025  

Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea

16 June 2025

By Satine Walz / GICJ 

Executive Summary 

The 1st meeting of the 59th Session of the Human Rights Council was concluded with the opening of the Interactive Dialogue on the human rights situation in Eritrea  on 16 June 2025. 

During the dialogue, the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea, Mr. Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, remained deeply concerned over Eritrea's widespread and systematic human rights violations, and the undermining of vital public services. He specifically addressed the ongoing militarisation of education, compulsory military service, restrictions on religious freedom, the operation of detention facilities, and the experiences of Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers, noting that 18% of the population has fled the country. Eritrea's representative dismissed the report as politically motivated and a remnant of colonialism.

Mr Babikar highlighted that since the last report no meaningful progress has been made towards accountability, reflecting the Eritrean government's selective engagement and unwillingness for accountability and rule of law which is deeply inconsistent with international norms. He stated that the authorities of Eritrea invoke sovereignty and development to reflect criticism, while they continue to systematically violate civil and political rights. The Special Reprotour therefore exhibited the government's absent domestic mechanisms, stressed the responsibility of the government to take accountability, and called on the support of the international community. 

Eritrea's representative, Mr. Habtom Zerai Ghimai, argued that the report relies on unverifiable claims and anonymous sources outside of Eritrea. He then discussed how Eritrea came to be subjected, in the state’s opinion, to this mandate due to “patterns of injustice,” and violations of the UN charter in the beginning of its independence and relationship with the UN in 1992. He thereby called for the termination of this mandate. 

During the dialogue, many representatives condemned the Human Rights violations articulated by the Special Rapporteur, such as the militarisation of education, torture, forced conscription, and experiences of migrants and asylum seekers. Beginning with the European Union, the representative strongly encouraged Eritrea to strengthen its partnership with the UN, and called on Eritrea to end the suppression of civil and political rights. Norway challenged the continued indefinite service and militarisation of education, and the need for the special reprotour to be granted access to the country. Many other speakers mirrored the concerns of the Special Rapporteur, and insisted for an increase of engagement with the Eritrean government to create an open dialogue. 

Multiple representatives from Africa posited that the confrontational approach of the report fails to achieve a meaningful outcome in protecting and promoting human rights. Overall, various representatives called on Eritrea and the UN mechanism to continue their engagements in a positive manner. Ghana, on behalf of African states, opposed the politicisation of human rights, and advocated against the counterproductive, confrontational, and double standards of the report. The representative,  Mr. Emmanuel Kwame Asiedu Antiwi, advised against selectively targeting sovereign states under the pretexts of human rights, arguing that any debate based on prejudice is not conducive to the genuine protection of Human Rights. The representative urged for universality and non selectivity in addressing international human rights issues, since the approach fails to achieve a meaningful outcome in protecting and promoting human rights. On behalf of the African states, the representative called on Eritrea and the UN mechanism to continue their engagements in a positive manner. Subsequently, representatives from African countries, who commended the African group, noted their mistrust of the council and commission’s disconnection from the realities on the ground. They highlighted the social and economical progress that Eritrea has had, further encouraging their efforts. The representatives insisted on strengthening regional partnerships, constructive cooperation, and international dialogue. 

The international community was urged to hold Eritrea accountable for its obligations under international human rights law and to press the Eritrean government to implement key reforms, including the cessation of indefinite military service, improved judicial transparency, and full cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. The UN remains committed to assisting Eritrea in addressing these challenges and fostering meaningful reforms.

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) expresses deep concern regarding the impact of Eritrea's national services on human rights and the ongoing suppression of fundamental freedoms. GICJ calls upon the Council to urger the Eritrean government to acknowledge and address the mounting evidence of human rights violations, including increased repression of freedom of expression and religion, forced displacement, forced conscription, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence.

GICJ calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, journalists, prisoners of conscience, and individuals detained for their faith.

Background on the Human Rights Situation in Eritrea

After a brutal 30-year war, the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) defeated the Soviet-backed Ethiopian army in May 1991, seizing control of Eritrea. In 1993, Eritrea gained independence, following Italian colonial rule and Ethiopian imperialist expansion and military control. However, a border war with Ethiopia erupted in 1998, leading to the near-complete militarisation of Eritrean society.

In 2001, President Isaias Afwerki, who has been in power since independence under the single-party system of the People's Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), arrested key liberation war leaders who called for political reforms. Since then, Eritrea has faced the complete suppression of dissent, closure of political space, economic decline, international sanctions, and isolation. This lack of democracy, human rights, religious freedom, free media, free legislative and judiciary institutions, and an unimplemented constitution has led to international scrutiny and concern from the Human Rights Council.

In 2018, the UN lifted sanctions imposed on Eritrea in 2009 due to alleged support for armed groups. This decision was largely driven by improved relations and a peace agreement between Eritrea and Ethiopia, seen as recognition of Eritrea's efforts towards peace, cooperation, human rights improvements, and economic integration. Despite ongoing challenges in peace, security, development, and human rights, Eritrea has called for an end to the Council's confrontational approach, arguing that no systematic crisis warrants a special mandate for the country.

Thousands are compelled to flee Eritrea due to indefinite national service and the suppression of fundamental freedoms. Authorities systematically employ arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance against dissenting voices, with this transnational repression extending to the Eritrean diaspora. Furthermore, Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers face worsening conditions, caught between regional conflicts and increasingly hostile asylum and migration policies in transit and destination countries.

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur (SR) on the situation of human rights in Eritrea was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) through Resolution 20/20 in 2012 and has been extended multiple times, most recently under Resolution 53/2 in 2023. As part of the UN Special Procedures, the Special Rapporteur is an independent expert responsible for monitoring, investigating, and reporting on the human rights situation in Eritrea. The mandate addresses human rights violations, advocates for accountability, and supports efforts to improve the country's human rights record.

The key elements of the mandate include: 

• Monitoring and Reporting on the human rights situation in Eritrea, focusing on violations of fundamental freedoms and breaches of international human rights laws. Findings are compiled and presented to the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) through periodic reports, ensuring continued international scrutiny.
• Engaging with Stakeholders, including the Eritrean government, urging it to comply with its international human rights obligations. The special rapporteur collaborates with UN agencies, regional organisations, civil society groups, and Eritrean diaspora communities to gather insights and encourage dialogue on human rights improvements.
• Investigating Human Rights Violations by documenting human rights violations in Eritrea, including indefinite national service, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, religion, and movement. Given the lack of access to the country, investigations rely on testimonies from victims, exiled Eritreans, human rights defenders, and independent sources to verify allegations and provide credible evidence.
• Providing Advocacy and Recommendations. The mandate includes making recommendations for legal and policy reforms to improve human rights conditions in Eritrea. The SR supports efforts toward accountability and justice for victims of human rights abuses and encourages Eritrea to implement Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations and engage with UN treaty bodies to strengthen human rights protections.
• Reporting and Increasing Public Awareness. The SR presents annual reports to the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to maintain international focus on Eritrea's human rights situation. In addition, the mandate raises global awareness and mobilises diplomatic and humanitarian responses to ongoing human rights challenges in the country.

Over the years, several individuals have served in this capacity, each highlighting persistent issues such as indefinite national service, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Despite repeated requests, the Eritrean government has consistently denied access to the Special Rapporteurs, limiting their ability to conduct in-country assessments. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteurs have continued to gather information through interviews with Eritrean refugees, diaspora communities, and other reliable sources. Their reports have been instrumental in keeping the international community informed and have led to various resolutions and actions to address the human rights challenges in Eritrea. 

Interactive Dialogue

Presentation of the Special Rapporteur’s Report 

The Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea, Mr. Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, acknowledged Eritrea’s increased engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including its Universal Periodic Review May 2024 and review by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in January 2025. Eritrea ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in December 2024. However, while these actions show some willingness to engage internationally, concerns persist regarding Eritrea's failure to implement recommendations from human rights bodies. Freedom of expression, association, assembly of religion, and the right to participate in public affairs are effectively non-existent and are only granted by public approval and to those that align with the exposition of authorities, as stated by the Special Rapporteur. 

The Special Rapporteur expressed profound concern regarding Eritrea's human rights situation, particularly the government's consistent suppression of economic, social, and cultural rights. Eritrean authorities routinely violate fundamental obligations outlined in core human rights treaties. This approach is described as selective, instrumental, and profoundly inconsistent with international norms. 

Thousands of Eritreans face arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance, denying them due process. The militarisation of education and forced student conscription undermine the right to education, leading to high dropout rates, child marriage, and early pregnancies. The report also addresses compulsory military service, restrictions on religious freedom, the operation of detention facilities, and the challenges faced by Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers, noting that 18% of the population has fled the country.

The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned about Eritrea's human rights situation, especially the government's ongoing violation of economic, social, and cultural rights. He stated that Eritrean authorities consistently disregard their fundamental duties under international human rights treaties, adopting a selective and inconsistent approach.

“[…] Imagine having no control over your life. Imagine having no choice over your education or career. Imagine being separated from your loved ones and not being granted leave to spend with your family, for months, often for years. Imagine being forced to work under threat of imprisonment in inhuman conditions, and under the threat of torture.”

And then:

“[…] How can the authorities call this a civic duty? How can this ever be justified in the name of development? How can arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and dissidence for 20 years be a necessity for nation-building?” 

Mr Babikar highlighted that since the last report no meaningful progress has been made towards accountability, reflecting the Eritrean government's selective engagement and unwillingness for accountability and rule of law which is deeply inconsistent with international norms. He stated that the authorities of Eritrea invoke sovereignty and development to reflect criticism, while they continue to systematically violate civil and political rights. The Special Reprotour therefore illustrated the government's absent domestic mechanisms, and stresses the responsibility of Eritreans to take accountability along with the support of the international community. to pursue relies on the accountability of the international community. 

He stated that despite these advancements, the government has refused to engage with the Special Rapporteur, rejecting invitations for dialogue and a country visit, raising doubts about its transparency and commitment to addressing human rights violations.

Ongoing Human Rights Violations

Eritrea's legal and institutional framework consistently fails to protect and uphold human rights. The indefinite national service, which compels thousands to leave the country, profoundly affects all facets of life. Authorities systematically suppress fundamental freedoms through widespread arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of dissenting voices. This repression also extends to the Eritrean diaspora. Eritrean refugees and asylum-seekers face deteriorating conditions due to regional conflicts and increasingly hostile asylum and migration policies in transit and destination countries.

Arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances are widespread and systematic. Individuals are routinely detained without formal charges, trial, legal representation, or any avenue to challenge their detention. Thousands of victims endure harsh, often life-threatening conditions for prolonged periods, ranging from months to over two decades. Disappearances frequently target individuals perceived as government opponents or those who challenge state narratives.

Forced Labour and Indefinite National Service

The national service system is a critical human rights violation, according to the Special Rapporteur. Key issues include the indefinite nature of service, the use of conscripts for forced labor, and inhuman or degrading service conditions. The report highlights a high incidence of rape, sexual and gender-based violence, and torture. Additionally, all students, including minors, are required to complete their final year of schooling at the Sawa military training camp. The report concludes that this system of indefinite military or civilian service extends far beyond civil duty and the government's stated goals of nation-building. Eritrea states that the national service program is limited to 18 months by law, but the government has never respected this. The length of an individual’s national service is arbitrary and left to the discretion of the authorities, with no clear criteria or conditions for release.

This system acts as a tool for social control and indoctrination, accompanied by widespread human rights abuses. Desertion, draft evasion, and unauthorised departure from the country are criminal offenses. Those who attempt to desert or avoid conscription are considered disloyal and treated as traitors by the authorities. They face severe punishment, including prolonged arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and inhuman or degrading treatment. Their families and communities are also penalised to enforce compliance.

As a result, most Eritreans are compelled to either flee the country or endure service lasting from several years to decades. This conscription can span generations, leading to significant social and economic consequences. It subjects the entire population to a system of social control where human rights violations and coercion are widespread, resulting in a climate of fear, mistrust, and enforced compliance under threat of punishment.

Calls for Concrete Action and Accountability 

A decade after the initial report by the commission of inquiry on human rights in Eritrea, the Special Rapporteur noted a distinct lack of progress by Eritrea in addressing past and ongoing human rights violations. The Eritrean government has consistently refused to investigate claims or hold those responsible accountable. This ongoing failure to ensure accountability not only weakens the rule of law but also suggests an acceptance of human rights abuses, which encourages perpetrators and allows cycles of abuse to continue. Furthermore, the authorities have internationally rejected cooperation with Human Rights Council-mandated mechanisms and their findings. Eritrea has also neglected to implement the recommendations from the universal periodic review, as well as those from international and regional human rights mechanisms.

The Special Rapporteur stressed the need for meaningful reforms, warning that human rights reporting risks becoming symbolic without implementation. He urged the Eritrean government to move beyond formal engagement and demonstrate genuine commitment to reform. He called on the international community to remain impartial, take decisive action, and use all available tools to promote genuine human rights progress in Eritrea.

Statement by Country Concerned

The representative of Eritrea, Mr. Habtom Zerai, dismissed the report as politically motivated and a remnant of colonialism. He argued that the report was based on invariable claims and anonymous sources outside of Eritrea, whose identities, affiliations and motivations are undisclosed to avoid any form of scrutiny. He thus pointed at the alleged lack of objectivity, transparency, accountability and balance in the report. 

The representative detailed the protracted and difficult relationship between the UN and Eritrea. In the early 1950s, the UN chose to federate Eritrea with Ethiopia, disregarding Eritrea's push for independence. He asserted that this oversight directly contradicted the UN's foundational principles regarding decolonisation.

In 1962, Eritrea was declared the fourteenth province of the Ethiopian empire, leading to a period of repression, violence, and persecution. The UN's response was again silent, consistently refusing to acknowledge Eritrean pleas for self-determination and protection. Eritrea finally achieved independence in 1991. However, Ethiopia declined to sign the Algiers Peace Agreement and sought alternative ways to reopen the process. This resulted in the UN Security Council's failure to ensure Ethiopia's compliance with the decision. Consequently, the representative underscored the organisation's repeated silence and complicity in Eritrea's suffering and economic difficulties.

The representative dismissed the report's "politically motivated" allegations, highlighting Eritrea's commitment to improving its citizens' lives through investments in education, gender equality, and sustainable development. Eritrea advocates for constructive international engagement via legitimate multilateral channels, founded on mutual respect and equality. However, it rejects politically motivated mechanisms driven by hostility and double standards. The representative affirmed Eritrea's support for human rights but denounced their instrumentalisation as tools to undermine the sovereignty of member nations, thereby criticising mandates that favor powerful member states. He urged the Human Rights Council to terminate the mandate, stating it "has strayed far from its legal foundation, failed to produce credible findings, and does a disservice to the cause of human rights."

 Statements by Other Countries and Groups 

The delegate of Norway, speaking on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states, started by welcoming Eritrea's ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and reported progress on social rights. However, the representative pointed at the systematic violations of civil and political rights in the country, including absence of rule of law, lack of access to justice, the stifling of civic engagement, and severe curtailment of freedom of expression, association and assembly. 

Norway also noted with concern the lack of steps taken by Eritrea towards the reform of those elements of its national service system inconsistent with the country’s international obligations, such as the indefinite duration of service and the militarisation of education.  

The group also called on Eritrea to better protect women’s and girls’ rights, including by combating sexual and gender-based violence, as well as ending female genital mutilation and early, forced marriage. 

The delegate finally urged the Eritrean Government to end the practice of arbitrary detention, torture, and inhumane prison conditions, to develop independent rule-of-law institutions to protect human rights and to grant the Special Rapporteur access to the country. 

The representative of Ghana, speaking on behalf of the Group of African States, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the principles of universality, objectivity, and non-selectivity in addressing human rights issues, as outlined in General Assembly Resolution 62/251. The representative firmly opposed the politicisation of human rights and the application of double standards in international discussions. 

He asserted that the politicisation of human rights is only counterproductive and confrontational, failing to achieve a meaningful outcome in protecting and promoting human rights. Furthermore, the group underlines the linkage between peace, development, and human rights. The representative encouraged the international community to support Eritrea's efforts in advancing its human rights commitments. Additionally, the African Group urged Eritrea and UN mechanisms to continue their cooperation constructively and positively. 

The representative of Ethiopia opposed the Special Rapporteurs' engagement with Ethiopia's internal peace process, the implementation of the pretrial peace agreements and its refugees policy, as he believes it constitutes a mandate overreach both in substance and territorial scope. 

The representative asserted that Ethiopia, a nation currently hosting over a million refugees, including Eritreans, steadfastly upholds its international commitments. He refuted the report's claims, highlighting Ethiopia's forward-thinking refugee policies, which encompass freedom of movement, educational access, and legal employment opportunities.

Any assertions of Ethiopia violating Human Rights principles were strongly rejected as inaccurate and as disregarding the legal distinction between recognised refugees and undocumented individuals. The representative affirmed Ethiopia's sovereign right to expel individuals who endanger national security or have committed crimes under domestic law.

He posited that Ethiopia remains dedicated to promoting Human Rights and International Cooperation, fully aligning with international standards. 

The representative of the European Union reaffirmed the support to the mandate and posited that the European Union remained gravely concerned about the human rights situation in Eritrea. He strongly encouraged Eritrea to strengthen its partnership with the UN. He then asserted that the lack of progress only highlights the necessity to maintain attention on the persistent violations and transnational repression and continue the mandate of the Special rapporteurs. 

The representative urged Eritrea to cease its suppression of civil and political rights, end indefinite national service, and cooperate with the Special Rapporteur by allowing access into the country. Additionally, the representative called for credible investigations into alleged violations committed in Tigray. The EU stands ready to continue to engage with Eritrea. 

The representative of Uganda, aligning with the African group, questioned the continued relevance of the mandate on Eritrea, noting a decade without significant progress. The representative expressed Uganda's support for the Eritrean government, although the report had deepened polarisation and mistrust within the Council. She emphasised the need for the Council to engage in constructive, non-confrontational, and non-selective dialogue with states. It was asserted that after 13 years, the mandate is disconnected from the realities in Eritrea and hinders constructive engagement with the government to protect human rights. As a host of Eritrean refugees, Uganda confirmed that dialogue and respect for the government's approach are essential. Uganda called for a reassessment of the current mandate to pave the way for sustainable human rights promotion and protection for the Eritrean people.

The representative of the United Kingdom thanked the Special Rapporteur and reiterated the country’s support for the mandate. The delegate reminded how the UK welcomed the progress made towards the achievement of economic, social and cultural rights in Eritrea during the country’s latest periodic review in 2024. However, she insisted that more needed to be done to fully promote and protect the rights of Eritreans. In particular, she called for a comprehensive revision of the national service system and for the release of all those arbitrarily detained for political reasons or for their religion or belief. 

The representative of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) strongly rejected the country-specific mandate applied to Eritrea. The representative asserted that Eritrea has been subjected to a mandate characterised by selectivity, political motivation, and a confrontational approach, spanning the past 13 years. The delegation from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has expressed its opposition and rejection of any practices or attempts to selectively target sovereign states under the pretext of human rights. The delegation has further asserted that these practices should cease.

Furthermore, the representative acknowledged that Eritrea has achieved significant progress in various fields for the promotion and protection of Human Rights. He called on the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to refrain from applying politically motivated selectivity and double standards in human rights. Instead, they advocated for constructive dialogue and cooperation as the most effective means to promote and protect human rights globally.

The Representative of Zimbabwe applauds Eritrea’s commitment to addressing the social and economic needs as well as safeguarding the human rights of its people. She commended Eritrea for actively engaging with the UN treaty bodies, to fulfill its human rights obligation through periodic reporting and voluntary review under the UPR processes. The representative deplored the undue pressure that continues to be asserted onto Eritrea through the implementation of politically motivated, intrusive, and polarising mechanisms. 

Zimbabwe strongly opposed the imposition of unilateral coercive measures on Eritrea. The representative asserted that the politicisation of Eritrea's human rights situation undermines the country's efforts to deliver on its national obligations, resulting in the untold suffering of innocent citizens. She underlined that the selective imposition of country specific mechanisms on targeted countries undermines the council's core principles of objectivity, non-selectivity, and constructive dialogue. The representative therefore urges the human rights council to engage in dialogue and cooperation with Eritrea, supporting its efforts to develop its capacities and meet its human rights obligations. 

The representative of the Philippines acknowledged Eritrea's engagement with international human rights mechanisms including the UPR and the rights of the child and ratification of the convention of persons with disabilities last year.

The representative argues that governance and nation-building are intricate processes. She believes that multilateral institutions, such as the council, should assist states in fulfilling their obligations to their citizens through dialogue and cooperation, while fully respecting state sovereignty and the agency of their people. The Philippines firmly opposes country-specific mandates, emphasising that ownership of the national agenda is crucial to achieving durable progress. The representative reiterated her concern that the mandate places a substantial financial strain on an already cash-strapped UN system, demonstrating minimal tangible positive impact on the ground, while simultaneously undermining the foundational principles of the international system.

The relevant parties are encouraged to seriously reconsider the approach taken over the past 13 years. She asserts a recalibration towards a more responsive and cost-efficient path is needed to genuinely promote human rights and serve the interests of the Eritrean people. 

Statements by NGOs and civil society 

Several NGO representatives advocated that Eritrea must address and engage in meaningful rights based dialogue with the mandate and international community to ensure accountability, and urged for the mandate of the special rapporteur to be reviewed. 

They stated that Eritrea consistently ranks among the UN's Least Developed Countries (LDC), governed by a single party lacking accountability, civil society, and a free media. As Mr. Babikar noted, Eritrea continues to systematically suppress fundamental freedoms through arbitrary detentions and the silencing of dissenting voices, perpetrating international crimes. This has fostered a climate of fear and impunity.

Ahead of this session, over 30 NGOs urged the council to pass a robust resolution extending the Special Rapporteur's mandate. They advocated for a shift from a procedural approach, calling for clear condemnation of grave violations by Eritrean authorities. Given mounting regional tensions and ongoing violations, maintaining scrutiny of the country's human rights situation is crucial.

Many representatives asserted that ten years after the report and subsequent conclusion, crimes against humanity have been committed by Eritrean authorities and the situation remains dire. Arbitrary detention and forced disappearance, torture, and civil restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, religion, and the press continues impunity. Indefinite national service including the conscription of minors persist in mounting forced labour and modern slavery. It has ruined generations' futures and continues to drive thousands to flee. 

The Eritrean government was also criticised for its continued rule without accountability. The council was reminded that the 1997 constitution remains unimplemented, with no independent judiciary and redress for ongoing human rights violations. Moreover, for the second consecutive year, Eritrea has been identified as the worst country globally for press freedom, according to the Rapporteur. Consequently, a fifth of its population has fled. Member states were then urged to exercise universal jurisdiction against individuals and accomplices responsible for these international crimes.

Representatives called on the council to urge Eritrea to end indefinite national service, release all prisoners of conscience and cease persecuting its citizens, stating “let this be defined not by action but by our renewed standard for justice, dignity, and freedom for the people of Eritrea.”

Key questions remain: How can the council address Eritrea's domestic situation and its impact abroad, including extraterritorial attacks against the diaspora? How can the tenth anniversary of the first report be leveraged to assess accountability options?

Concluding remarks 

Mr Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, Special Rapporteur on the situaiton of Human Rights in Eritrea, stated that he has repeatedly sought cooperation from the Eritrean government. Letters were sent in May and October 2024, and February 2025, requesting meetings with Eritrean representatives. Additionally, a request to visit the country was submitted on 7 August 2024 , and engagement with Eritrea was also sought. All these attempts, including a request for a regional visit to East and North African countries, have gone unanswered. The Special Rapporteur observed a lack of focus on cooperation among the countries present and noted that cooperation, which should be extended by the Human Rights Council to the Special Rapporteur, is absent. He urges countries, particularly Eritrea, to respond to letters and facilitate visits, lamenting Eritrea's consistent lack of cooperation on these matters.

The pervasive issue of human rights violations, including widespread and systematic enforced disappearances and incommunicado detentions, showed no credible signs of reform, despite evidence gathered by the Rapporteur and his predecessor. Journalists, political prisoners, and religious leaders have been held captives for decades, some for as long as 22 or even 34 years. 

The rapporteur asserted that these violations are not a political issue, since his focus is solely on human rights. He defined any divisions within the council regarding political discourse as a matter for the council, not the rapporteur. The Rapporteur stated that his mandate strictly adheres to human rights criteria, and expected the debate to remain centered on these critical issues.

He urged the council and member states, particularly African groups, to exert pressure on Eritrea to release these all unjustly-detained prisoners. Furthermore, regarding national repression, there is a clear need to protect Eritrean nationals in the diaspora. For Eritrean migrants, host countries and the international community must provide support to asylum seekers and refugees.

Finally, he implored the council to engage honestly with the Eritrean government to initiate a meaningful dialogue.

 Position of Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ)

Geneva International Center for Justice (GICJ) expresses deep concern regarding the impact of Eritrea's national services on human rights and the ongoing suppression of fundamental freedoms. GICJ calls upon the Eritrean government to acknowledge and address the mounting evidence of human rights violations, including increased repression of freedom of expression and religion, forced displacement, forced conscription, torture, and sexual and gender-based violence.

Furthermore, these violations must be addressed not only within Eritrea's borders but also by the Eritrean Defence Forces operating in areas of Tigray under their control. GICJ emphasises the importance of ensuring protection for refugees and asylum seekers. The lack of accountability and the failure to implement recommendations from the Special Rapporteur must be rectified to bring an end to these human rights violations.

The Government of Eritrea's continued rejection of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, coupled with its lack of engagement and denial of entry into the country, reflects the Government's denial of human rights violations. In order to effectively establish checks and balances, GICJ implores the council to prioritise all human interactions with Eritrea therefore preventing further violence and persecution  and promoting progress towards justice and reform.