Washington DC, on August 9, 2014, Mrs. Elsa Chryum, Founder and Director of Human Rights Concern Eritrea (HRCE) discussed the recent decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to investigate the widespread and systematic violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Eritrea. Of those in attendance were Eritreans in the DC Metro Area, including asylum seekers and individuals willing to assist the COI by sharing the human rights violations endured by them or a family member. Members of various Eritrean civic and political organizations attended to participate in the discussion and demonstrate their support of the historic decision. Representatives from Human Rights Watch, Freedom House and National Endowment for Democracy were also present.

Mrs. Elsa Chryum addressed the community to explain the objectives of the COI for Eritrea, formally established on June 27, 2014. This is the first official inquiry into the human rights violations being committed in Eritrea, including violations against children and women, indefinite military conscription, false imprisonment, restrictions on peaceful assembly and lack of freedom of expression, among many others. As emphasized by Mrs. Chyrum, the process of obtaining testimonies and disclosing the findings of the COI will reveal the seriousness of the human rights violations in Eritrea, identify the legal qualifications for the crimes, urge the need for accountability, help to seek justice for the victims, and serve as a path to collective reconciliation and healing.

To assist the COI in obtaining credible testimonies, she encouraged the participation of the entire Eritrean community and specifically those that have been victimized. It is their responsibility to come forward with their stories and be advocates for justice, she urged.

Mrs. Chryum reminded the audience that the diaspora community can no longer ignore or be silent about the suffering of Eritreans within Eritrea and those languishing in refugee camps, having fled their homes due to the regime’s repressive governance. Those in attendance offered their assistance and expertise and expressed appreciation to Mrs. Chyrum’s commitment and to the UN Human Rights Council’s decision to establish a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the alleged human rights violations in Eritrea.

The COI will have a year to collect testimonies and to review and substantiate all information provided by the victims, victim’s families, witnesses, human rights advocates and experts. The three member Commission will conduct interviews and present a report of its findings to the Human Rights Council at its twenty-ninth session. To ensure this remains a collaborative effort, Mrs. Chyrum will continue reaching out to victims and all active Eritrean civic and political organizations to encourage engagement, answer questions pertaining to the Commission of Inquiry and address any concerns.

Contact: Members of the press, who wish to interview the speaker and/or organizer, should contact the following representatives.

Washington, DC:                    San Francisco:                                 London:
Mebrahtu Gebrekidan           Sefora Estifanos                              Elsa Chyrum
mobygf@gmail.com               Sefora.estifanos@gmail.com       echyrum@aol.com
202-415-0708                          646-420-6860                                  +44 7958 005637