Eritrea: MEPs condemn human rights abuses

Joint motion for a resolution on the human rights situation in Eritrea
Doc. B6-0167/2004, B6-0170/2004, B6-0174/2004, B6-0177/2004, B6-0181/2004, B6-0182/2004, B6-0183/2004
Debate/Vote 18.11.2004, European Parliament News Report

MEPs (Member of European Parliament) adopted a joint resolution on the situation in Eritrea firmly condemning all human rights abuses in Eritrea and calling on the country's authorities to uphold human rights, to respect the international conventions and to cooperate in full with international human rights organisations and NGOs. The House calls on the Eritrean government to abide by the international human rights conventions. MEPs call for a thorough and independent investigation of the incident at the Adi Abeto military prison on 4 November, where at least a dozen prisoners were reportedly shot dead and call for those responsible to be brought to justice. Parliament wants the Eritrean authorities to immediately release the 11 former members of parliament, in compliance with the ruling of the African Commission on Human Rights of March 2004. MEPs also call on the Eritrean authorities to lift the ban on the country's independent press and to immediately release the 13 independent journalists and all others who have been jailed simply for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

The House calls on the Eritrean authorities to respect the human rights of all detainees, including the young people arrested on 4 November, and allow them immediate access to their families and lawyers. MEPs stress the importance they attach to fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, freedom of association, especially in the political and trade union spheres, and freedom of assembly. The House reiterates its demand for the initiation of an inter-Eritrean political process, bringing together the various party leaders and representatives of civil society with a view to finding a solution to the current crisis and to setting the country on the path to democracy, political pluralism and sustainable development. In this context, MEPs confirm their commitment to supporting the development of Eritrea, as well as peace, stability and cooperation in the region. Finally, MEPs call on the Council and Commission to open the consultation procedure in accordance with Article 96 of the Cotonou agreement in order to stop human rights violations and pave the way for political pluralism.

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