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Mr Vice President,
I would like to thank the Special Rapporteur panel for her briefing on the human rights situation in Eritrea. We encourage Eritrea to cooperate with her.
Developments in regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa are raising hopes for peace and a normalisation of relations, including improvements in the human rights situation. We are encouraged by the declarations of peace between Eritrea and Ethiopia. This might impact positively on the stability and development in the region and should lay the ground for improvements of living conditions in Eritrea.
As a long-standing friend of Eritrea, Norway remains concerned about the human rights situation. Upholding human rights is an integral part of any government’s duties towards its citizens and it is essential for achieving the SDGs. It is vital to ensure transparency, both on progress made and on areas where improvements are needed. We reiterate our request to Eritrea to cooperate closely with the various UN mechanisms, including OHCHR and UN special procedures mandate-holders, in its efforts to protect and promote human rights.
Norway welcomes the Government of Eritrea’s readiness to engage in human rights work, including the UPR, both as a member of the Human Rights Council and bilaterally. We remain committed to supporting Eritrea’s efforts to fulfil its obligations.
Thank you.