In a submission to the UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) today, DefendDefenders examines the government of Eritrea’s record with regard to the rights to freedoms of peaceful assembly, association, and opinion and expression, as well as the situation of human rights defenders (HRDs). We assess Eritrea’s implementation of recommendations received during the third UPR cycle, in 2019, relating to these issues and provide follow-up recommendations. 

Eritrea will undergo its fourth UPR in May 2024, the last year of its membership term in the Council. 

DefendDefenders and partners have consistently highlighted egregious violations committed by Eritrean authorities, both at home and abroad, including at the recent 53rd session of the Human Rights Council, in June-July 2023.