UN Human Rights Council Universal Periodic Review – 46th Session

Universal Periodic Review of Eritrea

6 May 2024

Statement by Australia

Thank you, Vice President.

Australia welcomes the opportunity to engage with Eritrea.

Australia is deeply concerned by reports of ongoing and widespread human rights violations in Eritrea, including arbitrary arrests and detentions, involuntary disappearances and forced labour. Although Eritrea has not employed the death penalty in a long time, Eritrea could institute an official moratorium on executions and provide for independent judicial oversight of conditions of incarceration.

Australia recommends Eritrea:

1. Introduce legislation to prohibit the use of forced labour after national service.
2. Implement practical measures to improve access to health services, including in disadvantaged rural areas.
3. Abolish the death penalty and ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.