UN Rejects Eritrea’s Bid to End Human Rights Investigation Amid Scrutiny
The United Nations Human Rights Council has rejected Eritrea’s attempt to shut down an independent investigation into alleged human rights abuses. The move is considered vital in the prevention of impunity regarding human rights concerns. This decision arrives as international scrutiny of Eritrea’s human rights record intensifies.
Eritrea’s Unsuccessful Attempt to Halt Investigation
eritrea’s rare attempt to eliminate the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on it’s human rights record failed on Friday. Only four votes supported the motion, while 25 opposed it, and 18 abstained. This effort by Eritrea surprised many observers,marking a unique instance were a state under active investigation sought to terminate such oversight through a formal vote.
Human Rights Watch Responds
Human Rights Watch has welcomed the outcome. The organization considers it “an crucial message that the international community is not fooled by Eritrea’s efforts to distract from, and discredit, independent human rights reporting on the country’s dire rights record.”
Counter-Resolution and Continued Scrutiny
Eritrea’s argument that alleged rights violations were not systemic, citing “capacity constraints” common among developing nations, was countered by European states. The European states responded with a resolution to extend the mandate for another year, which passed without notable opposition. Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, the UN-appointed Special Rapporteur, stated in his June report that Eritrea had demonstrated “no meaningful progress” on accountability.
Babiker referenced the 2016 UN inquiry, which found evidence of “systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations… committed in Eritrea under the authority of the Government… may constitute crimes against humanity.”
| Organization | Statement |
|---|---|
| Human Rights Watch | Welcomed the UN’s decision, emphasizing the importance of independent human rights reporting. |
| DefendDefenders | Stated that the Special Rapporteur’s role remains vital for victims and the Eritrean diaspora. |
| european Union | Warned that terminating the mandate would lead to increased impunity and repression. |
ancient Context: The 2016 UN Report
A 2016 report by the UN’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) for Eritrea detailed heinous crimes allegedly committed by president Isaias Afwerki’s government as Eritrea’s independence. These crimes included the “enslavement” of approximately 400,000 people. Many of these alleged abuses are linked to a harsh national service program, which the COI has compared to lifetime enslavement. This program is notoriously difficult to escape.
Reactions to the UN Decision
DefendDefenders, a pan-African human rights organization, emphasized the importance of Babiker’s role for victims and the Eritrean diaspora.
The European Union has warned that ending the mandate would enable “impunity and repression to deepen in silence.” Eritrea’s representative, Habtom Zerai Ghirmai, criticized the decision, accusing the EU of displaying a “neo-colonial saviour mentality complex.” he further stated that the mandate extension is an affront to reason and justice.
Iran, Sudan, and Russia, all countries facing their own UN investigations, supported Eritrea’s motion. China also backed Eritrea, arguing that such mandates represent a misuse of international resources.
Did You Know? The Red Sea borders Eritrea to the east.The name Eritrea originates from the Greek term for the Red Sea.
The Broader Context of Human Rights in Eritrea
eritrea, officially the State Of eritrea, is located in the Horn of Africa. It borders Sudan in the west, Ethiopia in the south, and Djibouti in the southeast.The northeast and east of the country have an extensive coastline along the Red Sea, which significantly influences its history and culture. For decades, Eritrea has faced criticism regarding its human rights record, notably concerning its indefinite national service program, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the lack of political freedoms. the government, led by President Isaias Afwerki since its independence in 1993, has been accused of authoritarian practices.
International organizations, including the united Nations and Human Rights Watch, have consistently reported on these issues, urging reforms and greater accountability. The UN Special Rapporteur’s mandate, which Eritrea attempted to terminate, plays a crucial role in documenting and raising awareness about these ongoing human rights concerns.
What long-term impact will the UN’s continued scrutiny have on Eritrea?
Frequently asked Questions about Eritrea’s Human Rights Situation
How can international pressure be best applied to improve human rights in Eritrea?
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