A/HRC/13/2
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addresses concerns about the prosecution of persons expressing dissenting views. Germany made
several recommendations.
54. Switzerland thanked Eritrea for its national report and expressed its interest to receive more
information as to the NGOs and civil society organizations that contributed to it.Switzerland
recognized the efforts by Eritrea with the aim to developing the Millennium Development Goals
objectives, in particular in the fields of gender equality in primary education, child health, maternal
mortality, HIV/AIDS, malaria and access to water, while stating that the eradication of poverty and
primary education for all were not yet achieved. Through the stakeholders’ summary, Switzerland
learnt of the existence of thousands of detainees who cannot exercise their rights, in contravention of
the judicial safeguards guaranteed by international law. Switzerland made recommendations.
55. Pakistan appreciated the inclusive process used for the preparation of the national report,
including the participation of civil society. While noting the challenges faced by Eritrea in rebuilding
the country after 30 years of armed conflict, Pakistan stated that its aspiration to become a developed
and democratic country was highly encouraging. Pakistan noted that women’s participation had been
ensured throughout the constitution-making process and that 30 per cent of the seats in Parliament
were reserved for women. Pakistan asked for more information on the political participation of
women, notably at local and community levels. Pakistan made reference to the five-year development
plan and hoped that its implementation would play a key role in ensuring the human rights of the
population. Pakistan made several recommendations.
56. Slovenia understood the sensitive political situation Eritrea was facing, but noted that political
instability and unsolved borders disputes could not be an excuse for human rights abuses and
violations. Slovenia appreciated Eritrea’s efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation through law,
but remained concerned about numerous reports of sexual abuses of female conscripts. Slovenia made
a number of recommendations.
57. Argentina made reference to reports regarding violations of the human rights of civil society. It
noted positively progress made in raising the age for military service and referred to the situation of
minors detained, among other reasons, for not fulfilling military service. Argentina addressed the
ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced
Disappearance. Argentina recognized that Eritrea has prohibited female genital mutilation although it
is still reportedly practiced. Argentina made several recommendations
58. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted that Eritrea had ratified the conventions under the
competence of the International Labour Organization and that the Constitution guaranteed a wide
range of human rights. It appreciated Eritrea’s efforts for the promotion of women’s rights, in
particular marriage rights. The Democratic Republic of the Congo posed questions concerning
transitional justice and education of young girls, and made recommendations.
59. Azerbaijan noted the elaboration of the five-year indicative development plan and the
achievements in the fields of health and education. It made reference to the remarks of the Committee
on the Rights of the Child on the improved school enrolment rate and the growing education budget.
Azerbaijan commended Eritrea for its efforts to promote gender equality and to increase women’s
participation in all aspects of society and for the prohibition of female genital mutilation by law. It
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