A/HRC/13/2 Page 8 33. The United Kingdom asked how civil society was engaged during the drafting of the national report and how the Government plans to engage with it in the follow-up to Eritrea’s UPR. It stated its concern over the continued imprisonment and detainment without charge of a large number of political dissenters (notably the G 11), journalists and members of religious groups and asked whether the Government would reconsider its policies towards these detainees. The United Kingdom raised further questions and made a number of recommendations. 34. Mexico recognized challenges faced by Eritrea for its development due to the recent armed conflict. It welcomed the progress made in the implementation of its human rights obligations and the Millennium Development Goals, notably its legal measures on gender equity, the reintegration of orphans in families and the community rehabilitation of disabled persons. Mexico asked how national service is compatible with the enjoyment of all human rights by the population. Mexico made several recommendations. 35. The Netherlands commended Eritrea for its focus on the reconstruction and development of its economy, with the understanding that this will include the realization of economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights. The Netherlands made a number of recommendations. 36. Morocco commended Eritrea for putting an institutional and legal framework in place relating to human rights protection in spite of its development constraints. It noted difficulties encountered in the implementation of priority programmes and commended commitments made by Eritrea in the area of reconstruction and development. Morocco indicated that the actions taken to eradicate poverty and the reinforcement of the relevant programme had drawn its attention. Therefore Morocco asked for more information on the integration of human rights protection in that programme. Morocco inquired how Eritrea intended to involve civil society in programmes aimed at enhancing the situation of children and women. Morocco made several recommendations. 37. Austria welcomed the ratification by Eritrea of several core international human rights conventions, but expressed concerns regarding, inter alia, enforced disappearances, arrest without charges, torture and sometimes death in detention. It appreciated the adoption of a law abolishing female genital mutilation but remained concerned about the persistence of this phenomenon. It was also concerned about reports of rape and sexual slavery of female recruits in the armed forces. Austria made recommendations. 38. Cuba noted that the Eritrean national report presented both progress made and challenges faced by the country. It added that Eritrea is a small developing country victimized by the unjust international economic order. Cuba highlighted the progressive results achieved in the area of health and education. It noted the increasing school enrolment both in primary and secondary education in recent years and the doubling of the public budget allocated to education between 2000 and 2005. Cuba noted the efforts aimed at guaranteeing quality and accessible health services to all citizens. Cuba stated that strengthened of international cooperation would be a major contribution to the efforts being made by Eritrea. Cuba made several recommendations.

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