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noted that Eritrea intends to accede to the remaining core international human rights treaties and asked
about measures taken to combat human trafficking. Azerbaijan made several recommendations.
60. Poland noted with appreciation the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children,
child prostitution and child pornography and encouraged Eritrea to ratify other core universal human
rights treaties. Poland made recommendations.
61. Latvia noted that several requests by special procedures mandate-holders to visit Eritrea had not
been accepted yet, an issue that it had also addressed in a written question before the session of the
Working Group, Latvia made a recommendation in this regard.
62. Malaysia noted the commitment of Eritrea to promote and protect human rights, demonstrated
notably by its accession to a number of international human rights instruments. Malaysia noted the
remaining gaps in their implementation due to the recent conflict. It also noted the proactive measures
undertaken by Eritrea aimed at ensuring respect for human rights and the rule of law in spite of limited
financial and human resources. Malaysia made several recommendations.
63. China noted that, despite numerous difficulties, Eritrea had made some major achievements,
including the ratification in 2007 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
against Women, and the adoption of a law on female genital mutilation and actions plans for the
protection of children rights and safe maternity. By 2015, Eritrea could realize the Millennium goal of
gender equality in primary schools. Meanwhile, the country continues its efforts to meet goals in the
areas of child health, access to safe water, HIV/AIDS and malaria. All this progress is hard-won
because, as a developing country, Eritrea lacks structures and financial means.
64. Saudi Arabia noted that the Constitution enshrines provisions for the protection of human rights
and fundamental freedoms, including the principle of non-discrimination. The Committee on the
Rights of the Child had welcomed the progress made in promoting the rights of children. Saudi Arabia
referred to the national report mentioning the active role of non-governmental organizations in various
human rights fields. Saudi Arabia noted that Eritrea ratified various international human rights
instruments and reported on their implementation. It added that OHCHR is involved in human rights
activities in Eritrea. Saudi Arabia noted the commitments of Eritrea to promoting and protecting
human rights and its efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals, notably in the areas of
education and children’s health.
65. The United States of America expressed concerns with regard to the existence of special courts
which are not bound by the criminal code; allegations that Eritreans in military services are used as
labourers for their commanding officers and are requested to continue their service indefinitely; the
treatment of migrants and asylum seekers forcibly returned to the country; violations of the right to
privacy as same-sex activity is considered as a crime dealt with by the Penal Code; and the
postponement of political elections. The United States made a number of recommendations.
66. Slovakia noted efforts made by Eritrea to build a legal framework to safeguard human rights
despite existing challenges. Slovakia stated that the new legislation should provide for freedom of
expression, assembly, movement and belief. Slovakia recalled the work of civil society in promoting
human rights. Slovakia regretted that no consultation or dialogue had been organized with civil society
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