Naujienos

18th session of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group (27 January-7 February 2014)

Statement by H. E. Mr. Rytis Paulauskas,

Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Lithuania

at the review of Eritrea

3 February 2014

Mr. President,

 Lithuania welcomes the esteemed delegation of Eritrea and thanks for the informative National Report. We appreciate the commitment of the Government representatives to the Universal Periodic Review mechanism. At the same time, we strongly encourage the country to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and other special procedures mandate holders.

 Lithuania notes with concern that the recommendations accepted during the previous UPR have largely not been implemented. In particular, we are concerned about the severe restrictions of freedom of assembly and of association as well as the curtailment of freedom expression. In this regard, Lithuania recommends Eritrea to respect and promote the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in line with its international human rights obligations.

 We note the efforts by the Government to eliminate discrimination against women, especially its commitment to abolish female genital mutilation. At the same time, we remain concerned that domestic violence continues to be reported, rape and sexual violence during military service are widespread in the country. In this regard, Lithuania recommends Eritrea to intensify its efforts to protect women from domestic and sexual violence and to ensure that acts of such violence are fully investigated and those responsible are held accountable.

 Lastly, we recommend Eritrea to sign and ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance and Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

I thank you.