UN human rights council meeting: ‘’I am overwhelmed by questions’’ Eritrea’s representative

The United Nations Human rights council 6th UPR session commenced  on the 30thy of November by hearing on the human rights report prepared by  the government of Eritrea. The Eritrean government’s delegation headed by Dr. Ghirmay Abraham economic advisor to the Ministry of National development read a report on the respect of human rights in Eritrea, only to be met by floods of questions from the members of the international community afterwards, where he publicly admitted that he was overwhelmed by the number of questions that he could no longer address.

The representative of Eritrea came under heavy criticism after majority of the countries expressed their deep concern on the ongoing human rights violations in the highly secretive state of Eritrea. Unlike in the previous year’s this time the government of Eritrea came under scrutiny not only by the countries from the west, but many African countries also followed suit. Countries such as Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria strongly called for the government to stop repressive methods to deal with dissent, and called for the implementation of the now shelved constitution without any preconditions. 

Countries from west to east from south to north uttered a similar tone that they are disturbed by the consistent reports of serious human rights violations in Eritrea and called for the government to allow a UN investigative team to assess the alleged violations on the ground, so as the perpetrators to faced justice. Limiting the endless national service, free political prisoners, and allow the freedom of the press were the areas by which most of the countries gave their recommendations.

As usual the Eritrean representative desperately tried to defend the government, however in a very poor fashion by saying ‘’ our own experience with the freedom of the press is negative.’’ Without elaborating it further. The growing concern and the questions raised by the representative’s of the member countries reveal their awareness on the ongoing violation of human rights  in Eritrea, which left Dr. Ghirmay and his delegation stunned.

In the afternoon hours a round table discussions on the situation of Human rights in Eritrea was also arranged by Christian solidarity worldwide with the cooperation of the Human Rights Concern Eritrea, and Awate Media foundation. Director of the Human Rights Mrs. Elisabeth Chirum provided an overview of the human rights situation and Dr. Khataza Gondwe Christian solidarity worldwide advocacy officer for Sub-Saharan Africa addressed issues of religious freedom and belief in Eritrea. And Mr. Yaseen M. Abdalla from the Suwera Center for Human Rights gave a brief explanation about the  background of the human rights abuse in Eritrea.  Journalist Tedros Abrahma also addressed the issue press freedom and media in Eritrea.

The meeting was attended by more than thirty representatives, human rights organizations and   other NGO’s. 

Tedros Abraham, Geneva, Swizerland

Related Article: UN human rights council meeting: Review of Eritrea (Video)