Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights Situation in Eritrea Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker
Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative Daniel Kronenfeld
50th Session of the Human Rights Council
Thank you, Mr. Vice President and Special Rapporteur Babiker.
The United States condemns actions reportedly committed by Eritrea, including the arrests of individuals for merely exercising their freedoms of expression, religion or belief, and peaceful assembly, as well as those who legitimately claim conscientious objector status from compulsory or indefinite national service.
The United States continues to be alarmed at Eritrea’s involvement in the conflict in northern Ethiopia. We remain gravely concerned that Eritrean government forces there have reportedly committed human rights abuses, including arbitrary killings, torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, including against children. We also remain deeply disturbed by reports that Eritrean forces have forcibly returned Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia to Eritrea.
We call for the Government of Eritrea to hold accountable those responsible for human rights abuses and violations.
I thank you very much.
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