Thank you Mr President,
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his update and reiterate our ongoing support to his vital mandate. We remain concerned by Eritrea’s continued lack of engagement with the Special Rapporteur and minimal human rights scrutiny in the country.
During Eritrea’s Universal Periodic Review in May 2024, the UK welcomed progress made in promoting economic, social and cultural rights, including an improvement in higher education opportunities. But more still needs to be done to ensure that the rights of Eritreans are fully promoted and protected.
Meaningful change is urgently needed.
The system of national service needs a comprehensive evaluation to help stem the flow of young people leaving the country in search of freedoms and opportunities they cannot access in Eritrea.
Furthermore, those arbitrarily detained for political reasons, or for their religion or belief, must be released.
Special Rapporteur,
How can this Council further support your mandate, including by facilitating visits to the region?
Thank you.