A/HRC/29/42 In light of the findings of the Commission and as President of Eritrea, President of the National Assembly and leader of the ruling party, the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice, I exhort you to take immediate action to address the grave human rights situation in your country, in particular by ending impunity for officials guilty of gross human rights violations. The Commission urges you and your Government to: Implement fully and without further delay the 1997 Constitution. Any amendments to the Constitution should take place in a transparent and participatory manner and take into account Eritrea’s obligations under international human rights law. Acknowledge the existence of human rights violations and ensure accountability for past human rights violations, including but not limited to extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, unlawful detention, sexual violence and forced labour, also within national service. Cease with immediate effect the practice of enforced disappearance and all forms of extrajudicial executions, inter alia by discontinuing the shoot-to-kill policy that may be applicable at any border. Immediately and unconditionally release all unlawfully and arbitrarily detained persons, including members of the G-15, journalists and members of religious groups. Put an immediate end to the use of torture and other forms of ill-treatment. Discontinue the indefinite national service by limiting it to 18 months for all current and future conscripts as envisaged by the National Service Proclamation. Take immediate measures to ensure de facto gender equality and address all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual and genderbased violence by State and non-State actors. The Commission’s full recommendations are detailed in the reports attached to this letter. We hold the hope that you will give them serious consideration. We strongly believe that, if implemented, they would be of help to make Eritrea a State where rule of law is implemented and human rights respected. The Commission avails itself of the opportunity to renew the expression of its highest consideration. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Mike Smith Chair Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea His Excellency Mr. Isaias Afwerki President of the State of Eritrea Asmara 25