International Human Rights Day

Int'l Human Rights DatThe UN General Assembly proclaimed 10th December as Human Rights Day in 1950, to bring to the attention ‘of the peoples of the world’ the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as the common standard of achievement defining shared ideals and values for all peoples. The UDHR is the defining document on the principles of human rights deemed to be accepted by all states becoming members of the UN.

In 2006 the UN established the Human Rights Council, with a system of Special Procedures. Ms Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in February 2013, “It is critical that all Member States cooperate fully with the Special Procedures.” One of those Special Procedures Mandates is held by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Eritrea, an appointment strongly recommended by Human Rights Concern-Eritrea.

But, as at 10th December 2013, it is clear that Eritrea has not responded in any significant ways to the recommendations of Ms Sheila B Keetharuth, the UN Special Rapporteur for Eritrea which require implementation of the principles of the UDHR.

The government of Eritrea has not invited her or any other UN mandate-holders to visit the country, a key requirement mentioned by Ms Pillay.

The recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea have been ignored, with regard to at least 12 of the Articles of the UDHR, notably:-

  • To release all prisoners detained without charge or trial, put an end to arbitrary incommunicado detention, close secret places of detention, and to set up a mechanism for tracing those who have disappeared (Articles 3, 8,9, &11);
  • To put an immediate end to indefinite national service and the enforced labour it entails(Articles 3 & 4);
  • To put a stop to torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment (Article 5);
  • To create an independent, impartial and transparent judiciary and provide access to justice for all (Articles 6,8.9, 10,11);
  • To put an end to restrictions on freedom of movement, protect those fleeing from Eritrea, and end the shoot-to-kill policy at the borders (Articles 13 &14);
  • To respect the religious freedom of all faiths and ensure that people of all faiths can practise their religion without fear (Article 18);
  • To fully respect freedom of expression and opinion, end the intimidation of journalists, allow peaceful assembly and political parties, and hold fair and transparent elections (Article 19);

Human Rights Concern- Eritrea wishes to remind the international community of its duty to insist that Eritrea implement these recommendations which are essential to observing the requirements of the UDHR.

It is vital that the government of Eritrea be held accountable for breaches of the UDHR and that it take immediate action to remedy these abuses of human rights.