PRESS RELEASE : Universal Periodic Review 46 – UK Statement on Eritrea [May 2024]
The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 7 May 2024.
Statement from the UK at Eritrea’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you, Mr Vice-President,
We thank Eritrea for presenting its National Report, and we welcome some progress on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including action to tackle Female Genital Mutilation and to promote access to clean water and sanitation.
However, much more needs to be done to ensure the human rights of Eritrea’s people are fully promoted and protected. Meaningful change at pace is urgently needed, and we stand ready to assist.
We recommend that Eritrea:
- Cooperate fully with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, including through enabling access to the country.
- Investigate the social impact of national service, including developing schemes that promote access to employment following the completion of the mandated national service.
- Implement the Constitution proposed by President Isaias over a decade ago, involving the participation of an elected legislature, independent media and a free and open civil society.
Thank you.
