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Renewing the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea

A Call to Action: Renewing the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur

The situation of human rights in Eritrea remains dire, with ongoing and egregious violations documented by the UN Commission of Inquiry (CoI). In response, 23 civil society organizations have come together to urge the Permanent Representatives of Members and Observer States of the UN Human Rights Council to co-sponsor a resolution renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea.

The Need for Renewal

Since 1991, crimes against humanity have been committed in Eritrea, with government officials responsible for these atrocities. The CoI’s findings highlight the need for continued attention and action to address the human rights crisis in Eritrea.

Requesting Action from the UN Human Rights Council

We urge the UN Human Rights Council to take the following actions:

Renew the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur

  • Renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea for one year.

Provide Necessary Resources

  • Provide the mandate holder with necessary human and financial resources to effectively carry out their duties.

Promote and Report on Implementation of CoI Recommendations

  • Include in her mandate the promotion of and reporting on the implementation of the CoI’s recommendations.

Establish a Structure for Accountability

  • Support the establishment of a structure by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights with a protection and promotion mandate, to assist in ensuring accountability for human rights violations in Eritrea.

Regular Reporting

  • Request the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report regularly on the situation of human rights in Eritrea.

Transmit CoI Report

  • Transmit the report of the CoI to the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, and the UN Secretary-General.

Signing Organizations

The following 23 civil society organizations have signed this letter:

  1. Amnesty International
  2. Article 19
  3. Christian Solidarity Worldwide
  4. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
  5. DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
  6. Eritrean Initiative on Refugee Rights
  7. Eritrean Law Society
  8. Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights
  9. Eritrean Unity for Justice
  10. Eritreans for Human and Democratic Rights – UK
  11. Freedom Friday
  12. Human Rights Concern – Eritrea
  13. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
  14. International Service for Human Rights
  15. Network of Eritrean Women
  16. One Day Seyoum
  17. Release Eritrea
  18. Reporters Without Borders
  19. Stop Slavery in Eritrea
  20. Suwera Centre for Human Rights
  21. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT)