The European Union, in a statement delivered on 15 June 2026 at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, expressed regret over Eritrea's continued lack of cooperation with the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. The EU reiterated its full support for the mandate, calling it essential for independent monitoring and public reporting, and urged all states to facilitate cooperation with the Special Rapporteur. The statement was delivered during an Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on Eritrea.
The EU welcomed the release of some arbitrarily detained persons but called on the government to continue releases and reveal the whereabouts of those who have disappeared in past decades. It noted some progress on economic and social rights, including in health and education, and welcomed Eritrea's 2025 ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, offering support for its implementation. The EU also welcomed recent OHCHR capacity-building requested by Eritrea and encouraged further technical assistance.
Despite these positive notes, the EU expressed grave concern over the overall human rights situation, citing a lack of progress and persisting structural impunity. It called for an end to the suppression of civil and political rights, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, torture, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, association, and religion. The EU highlighted particular concern over transnational repression targeting Eritreans in the diaspora, including human rights defenders and government critics.
The EU also called on Eritrea to end indefinite national and military service, arbitrary conscription (including alleged conscription of children), gender-based violence, and forced labour, and to respect the right to conscientious objection. It urged credible investigations into alleged human rights violations and abuses during and after the war in the Tigray region of Ethiopia.
The statement concluded by looking forward to enhanced dialogue with Eritrea on supporting national priorities for human rights improvement. The EU asked the outgoing Special Rapporteur how states could best support his successor in building on his work and advancing accountability for past and ongoing violations.
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