Eritrea’s surprise attempt to end a UN investigation into its human rights record was firmly rejected by the UN Human Rights Council, a vote widely seen as a major victory for accountability. Only four countries supported the motion, while 25 opposed it and 18 abstained. Subsequently, a counter-proposal by the EU to extend the mandate passed with ease. Rights groups and diplomats hailed the renewal, warning that ending the probe would have emboldened repression. Unsurprisingly, Eritrea, backed by countries like Russia, China, and Iran, slammed the move as unjust and politically motivated. Nevertheless, the international spotlight remains for now. The current Special Rapporteur to the country, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, has documented widespread abuses, including arbitrary detention and forced military service.
Reuters
