HRCE’s Elsa Chyrum Speech at Side event, at the Human Rights Council – 56 th Session

Friday, 21 June 2024

Good afternoon, everyone,

I first came to the Human Rights Council (HRC) in July 2008 to raise awareness of the appalling
human rights situation in Eritrea. For four years, we relentlessly advocated for the
establishment of a UN mandate, and in July 2012, a resolution on Eritrea was tabled by
Somalia, Nigeria, and Djibouti. Subsequently, the HRC established the mandate of the Special
Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea.

The mandate included reporting on human rights conditions and engaging with the Eritrean
government to address identified concerns. Eritrea refused to cooperate with the mandate and
denied access to the UN-appointed Special Rapporteur for two years.

To investigate the findings documented by the Special Rapporteur, the Council established the
Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Eritrea in 2014. The Commission’s mandate included assessing
the extent and nature of violations, such as extrajudicial killings, forced labour, and restrictions
on various freedoms, including civil and political rights. Despite repeated requests, Eritrea
consistently denied the COI access to the country. The government refused to engage with the
COI, labelling it biased and politically motivated.

The COI had to rely on testimonies from refugees and defectors outside of Eritrea. Its
subsequent reports documented widespread and systematic violations amounting to crimes
against humanity. These findings, although credible and detailed, were contested by Eritrea,
which continued to deny any wrongdoing and did not implement recommended reforms.
Eritrea has repeatedly refused to grant access to Special Rapporteurs. The government has
accused the UN and its representatives of harbouring anti-Eritrean agendas.

Notably, Eritrea has also not cooperated with several UN special procedure mandate holders,
including the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and the Special Rapporteur on
Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
Similarly, Eritrea has refused to cooperate with several UN working groups over the years,
including the Working Groups on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and on Arbitrary
Detention. Neither has it addressed concerns raised by the Human Rights Committee regarding
non-compliance with the ICCPR.

Eritrea gained a Council seat in January 2019 for a three-year term and was re-elected for a
second term in January 2022, which will end in December 2024. As a member of the HRC,
Eritrea is expected to uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human
rights, and to cooperate fully with UN human rights mechanisms, including providing access

and engaging in dialogue. However, its track record shows significant non-cooperation with UN
human rights mechanisms. Moreover, despite requesting technical assistance from the Office
of High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR), it ultimately did not engage with this process
in good faith.

Eritrea’s consistent non-cooperation, denials of access, and dismissal of UN mandates
contradict its obligations as an HRC member. This behaviour undermines the credibility and
effectiveness of the HRC and sets a negative precedent for other member states.
The international community, including the UN, has repeatedly called on Eritrea to improve its
human rights record and cooperate with UN mechanisms. Despite these calls, Eritrea’s non-
cooperation persists, highlighting a significant gap between international expectations and
national actions.
Eritrea’s pattern of non-cooperation highlights its resistance to international scrutiny and
accountability regarding its appalling human rights record, and starkly contrasts with its
obligations as a member of the HRC. By refusing access and engagement while showing no
improvements, Eritrea not only impedes the UN’s ability to effectively monitor, report and
address the gravest violations, but also undermines the principles and standing of the HRC. It is
crucial for the international community to continue advocating for accountability and improved
human rights conditions in Eritrea.

Renewing the Special Rapporteur’s mandate is vital for maintaining international attention on
Eritrea’s human rights situation. Despite Eritrea’s non-cooperation, the mandate is crucial for
documenting abuses, advocating for victims, and applying pressure for compliance with
international norms. It supports efforts to improve the human rights situation both regionally
and internationally.

Thank you
Elizabeth Chyrum
Human Rights Concern – Eritrea (HRCE)