The renewal of the mandate should not be viewed as a political measure directed against any State. Rather, it reflects the Human Rights Council’s responsibility to uphold the universal principles of the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the international human rights treaties that guide the work of the Council.

Open Letter to the Member States of the United Nations Human Rights Council

Subject: Support for the Renewal of the Mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea

Excellencies,

We, the undersigned Eritrean civil society organisations, respectfully call upon all Member States of the United Nations Human Rights Council to support the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea during the Council’s current session.

The mandate has, over many years, provided an independent, impartial and internationally recognised mechanism for monitoring and reporting on the human rights situation in Eritrea. It has enabled the international community to maintain an objective understanding of developments inside the country and of their consequences for Eritrean citizens, refugees and the wider region.

The importance of independent reporting has not diminished. Continued restrictions on fundamental freedoms, the absence of independent institutions, the limited access granted to international human rights mechanisms, and the ongoing displacement of Eritreans underline the continued relevance of international scrutiny. In this context, the work of the Special Rapporteur remains an essential source of reliable information for the Human Rights Council and the broader United Nations system.

The mandate also serves an important preventive function. Independent documentation contributes to informed international engagement, supports accountability efforts, and provides a factual basis for constructive dialogue grounded in international human rights law.

The renewal of the mandate should not be viewed as a political measure directed against any State. Rather, it reflects the Human Rights Council’s responsibility to uphold the universal principles of the United Nations Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the international human rights treaties that guide the work of the Council.

As Eritrean organisations committed to the promotion and protection of human rights, we believe that sustained international attention remains necessary until measurable and durable progress has been achieved. The continuation of the mandate is essential to ensuring that the Council remains informed by independent expertise and objective analysis.

We therefore respectfully urge all Member States of the Human Rights Council, irrespective of regional affiliation or political alignment, to vote in favour of renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea.

We thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to the protection and promotion of universal human rights.

Respectfully,

The undersigned Eritrean civil society organisations

Eritrean Human Rights in the Netherlands, Eritrese Vrouwen voor Integratie in the Netherlands, MWS vereniging in the Netherland, Vereniging Eritrease Jongeren Gemeenschap

email adress for correspondence:  eritrean.humanright.defenders@gmail.com