A/HRC/26/13 75. Nigeria urged Eritrea to expedite implementation of the recommendations from the previous UPR cycle, incorporate international human rights conventions into domestic legislation, ensure press freedom, improve health institutions and access to health services and prioritize education. It invited Eritrea to ratify CPED. 76. Norway expressed concern at the excessive militarization of Eritrean society and its reported effect on people’s daily lives and the lack of freedom of expression. It noted that the rule of law and fundamental freedoms were still not respected in Eritrea. 77. Paraguay noted challenges but recognized efforts to improve access to water and sanitation, food, health care and education. It expressed concern about reports of serious violations of human rights, particularly arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and inhumane conditions of detention. 78. The Philippines noted efforts to implement the recommendations from the first UPR, attain the MDGs, improve the situation of women and children and address gender inequality and FGM. 79. Portugal welcomed efforts to assist street children. It was concerned that all children were required to complete their final year of schooling in a military training camp, involving the conscription of children into the military. 80. The Republic of Korea noted efforts to implement the recommendations from the first UPR, progress towards attaining the health-related MDGs and advancing women in parliamentary and government positions. It remained seriously concerned about the human rights situation. 81. Romania hoped that the Eritrean authorities would take the necessary steps to ensure the exercise of human rights by all Eritrean citizens. It was concerned about reports of the many challenges remaining since the last UPR. 82. The Russian Federation noted progress made in promoting and protecting human rights since the first UPR, but acknowledged remaining problems. 83. Saudi Arabia noted efforts thus far, despite a lack of resources, and highlighted the 2010 Water Proclamation and the 2012 Proclamation to enhance access to justice. It encouraged further efforts to promote and protect human rights at all levels. 84. Singapore noted the results obtained in combating HIV/AIDS and malaria and reducing the child mortality rate. It acknowledged the promotion of gender equality, increased government funding for women to set up their own businesses and available vocational training. 85. In response to the advance questions as well as questions and comments from the floor, the delegation of Eritrea emphasized that no person had been detained for peacefully expressing his or her views and that media censorship was not practiced. Also, no journalist had been detained for performing his or her duty under the professional ethics of journalism. 86. Freedom of association was guaranteed under the Constitution and other laws, and various associations were working without any restrictions and with full freedom. Labour unions existed and the autonomy of trade unions was guaranteed under Labour Proclamation No. 118/2001. Eritrea had signed and ratified seven ILO conventions and it was duly submitting its reports in that regard. 87. The Government issued the 1995 Proclamation on religions and the 2002 registration decree, requiring all religious organizations to register and declare their property. Some groups which refused to adhere to the law alleged that they have been persecuted. 10

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