Eritrea’s Human Rights Concerns: Urgent Call for Extended Special Rapporteur’s Mandate Amidst Ongoing Violations BODY: ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA – The United Nations Human Rights Council is poised to address the ongoing human rights crisis in Eritrea, with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) advocating for the extension of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate. This call comes on the heels of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Human Rights in Eritrea’s final report, presented ten years prior.
The proposed resolution seeks to address the persistent and severe human rights violations by Eritrean authorities, which have been committed with impunity.
The situation in Eritrea, particularly regarding press freedoms and civil liberties, has been a matter of international concern for over two decades.
As regional tensions, particularly between Eritrea and Ethiopia, escalate, NGOs are urging the UN Human Rights Council to adopt a strong resolution. This resolution is intended not only to condemn the ongoing violations but also to request the Special Rapporteur to explore options and processes for addressing past and ongoing violations, ensuring accountability and justice.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has joined the call, emphasizing the need for a focused and effective international human rights mechanism to address the ongoing violations in Eritrea.
The 62nd regular session of the Human Rights Council is scheduled to open amidst these tensions, with the situation in Eritrea remaining a top priority.
The extension of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate is seen as a critical step in advancing the accountability agenda. Despite the Eritrean government’s release of a few long-term detainees in late 2025, the systemic nature of violations persists, with thousands still in arbitrary detention.
The resolution, if adopted, will underscore the international community’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Eritrea. It will also send a strong message that the international community is determined to hold the Eritrean government accountable for its actions.
As the UN Human Rights Council convenes in June 2026, the world watches to see how the Council responds to these urgent calls for action.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Amnesty International
