Eritrea is pushing to end the UN mandate of the Special Rapporteur investigating alleged human rights abuses in the country, a move that diplomats fear could set a dangerous precedent for countries looking to avoid accountability. The current expert, Sudanese human rights lawyer Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, recently flagged critical issues like arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and lengthy military service, which he credits for the mass emigration of Eritreans. Asmara, long opposed to the mandate, tabled a rare motion at the UN Human Rights Council to discontinue the role, gaining backing from states like Russia and Iran, and opposition from the EU and UK. Rights advocates warn this is the first attempt to eliminate such a mandate entirely, raising alarms over future accountability efforts. A council vote is expected in July.
Reuters
