Eritrea Seeks UN Mandate End for Human Rights Probe

Eritrea has taken the unprecedented step of tabling a motion at the UN Human Rights Council to cancel the mandate of the Special Rapporteur investigating alleged human rights abuses in the country. The current rapporteur, Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, has reported on serious violations including arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, and indefinite national and military service, which contribute to mass emigration. Eritrea's government argues the mandate is ineffective and biased, but human rights groups and many UN members emphasize that Eritrea has systematically blocked access and ignored recommendations, warranting continued scrutiny. The motion has received backing from countries such as Sudan, Russia, and Iran, while the EU, UK, and other Western diplomats have opposed it, warning that ending the mandate could set a dangerous precedent for circumventing international accountability. The vote on Eritrea's proposal is expected next month amid heightened diplomatic tensions, with human rights organizations urging a rejection of the motion to ensure ongoing monitoring and support for civil society in Eritrea. This marks the first known attempt to end a UN Special Rapporteur's mandate entirely, raising alarms about the future of global human rights investigations.