A/HRC/41/2 end to forced conscription. It requested to know whether Eritrea would comply with international human rights law and its obligations arising from its membership in the Human Rights Council by unconditionally releasing all persons arbitrarily detained, ending forced conscription of children, reforming the national service system and fully cooperating with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Eritrea. 831. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation welcomed the Declaration of Peace and Friendship signed between Ethiopia and Eritrea in July 2018. However, it remained concerned about the fact that the human rights situation in the country continued to worsen, that civic spaces continued to be severely suppressed, and that there were serious restrictions to freedom of peaceful assembly, expression and association. It noted with concern the closure of 20 health centres administered by Catholic churches and the arbitrary arrest of four Christian bishops. 832. Rencontre Africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme commended Eritrea for the efforts made in the field of health education, the fight against early marriage and the fight against female genital mutilation. However, it deplored the restrictions imposed on the freedoms of expression and religion, the lack of independence of the judiciary, arbitrary detentions, prison overcrowding and the lack of cooperation with special procedure mandate holders. It urged Eritrea to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and to grant special procedure mandate holders full and unhindered access to Eritrea. 833. Maat Foundation for Peace, Development and Human Rights stated that Eritrea prevented national non-governmental organizations from participating in the universal periodic review process. Civil and political rights did not enjoy sufficient protection because of the lack of established institutions. It was difficult to access custodial services. The enforcement of economic and social rights have suffered a setback because of the economy of the country. Climate change triggered food insecurity. Children under the age of 18 have been forced to undertake certain national service activities during their holidays, which Eritrea called social services. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 834. The Vice-President stated that, based on the information provided, out of 261 recommendations received, 131 enjoyed the support of Eritrea, and 130 were noted. 835. In response to the comments, the delegation reiterated that the supported recommendations were broad in scope and content and covered the full range of rights, prescribed in the two most important conventions. In addition, a number of the noted recommendations could have been supported, had they been framed in a constructive manner. 836. The decision by Eritrea to serve as a member of the Human Rights Council was motivated by the determination to do its part in advancing human rights thorough equal, shared and collective responsibility. Eritrea also aimed to ensure a balanced approach to all human rights issues and to advocate for the full adherence to the key principles of nonselectivity, objectivity, and non-politicizations of human rights, as well as to eliminate double standards. The delegation stated that the blanket argument that, as a member of the Council, Eritrea was expected to fulfil a particular set of standards was inaccurate. 837. The delegation stated that there should be an objective assessment of the situation in Eritrea and the progress made by Eritrea, given its reality. There should also be a better understanding of the country’s challenges and opportunities to promote progressive transformation, leading to advancement of human rights. 130