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27 NGOs call on States to co-sponsor and support a UN Human Rights Council Resolution renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea to ensure continued monitoring and scrutiny of the human rights situation in the country.
In a joint letter published today, 27 NGOs from across the world have called on States to co-sponsor and support a resolution during the 35th session of the UN Human Rights Council renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea. The draft resolution also calls on States and other stakeholders to provide the mandate holder with all necessary support, and urges the Government of Eritrea to cooperate with the mandate holder, including by allowing unencumbered access to the country.
The UN Human Rights Council appointed a Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea in 2012 and, as the situation deteriorated, then established a commission of inquiry to investigate gross human rights violations in 2014.
To date, the governmemt of Eritrea has refused to cooperate with either the Special Rapporteur or the Commission of Inquiry, denying them access to the country. The Special Rapporteur has, however, been able to visit neighbouring countries and take testimony from rights holders and victims who have fled Eritrea or are living in exile. With the situation in the country continuing to deteriorate, and the lack of any good faith efforts at the national-level to end, investigate and ensure accountability for violations, it is imperative that the mandate of the Special Rapporteur is renewed.
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