Australia in Switzerland
Bern and Geneva
Switzerland, Liechtenstein

statement474

UN Human Rights Council – 23rd Session

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea

Statement by Australia, 5 June 2013


Australia thanks the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea for her report and is deeply concerned by the report’s findings.

Australia condemns the human rights abuses occurring in Eritrea as outlined by the Special Rapporteur, including; extra-judicial killings; the shoot-to-kill policy for those attempting to cross borders; enforced disappearances; arbitrary arrests and detention; incommunicado detention; torture during interrogation or otherwise; inhumane prison conditions; and, compulsory national service for indefinite periods.

Australia calls on Eritrea to adhere to its responsibilities under human rights treaties to which it is a party and fully respect freedom of expression, opinion, assembly, association, religious belief and movement.

Australia reiterates the Special Rapporteur’s concerns and is deeply troubled by persistent discrimination against women, sexual and gender based violence and the ongoing violation of the rights of the child.

Australia urges the government of Eritrea to respect international human rights and humanitarian law and calls on the government of Eritrea to fully cooperate with human rights mechanisms, including but not limited to the special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council.