Geneve, July 4, 2025

Statement delivered by Ambassador Vasilika Hysi, Permanent Representative

Thank you, Mr. President,

Albania supports the statement delivered by Spain on behalf of the EU members of HRC.

Albania regrets the tabling of a counter – resolution by Eritrea seeking to discontinue the mandate of the Special Rapporteur. We commend the work of the Special Rapporteur, whose mandate remains essential in ensuring independent monitoring, documentation, and reporting on the situation in Eritrea.

We believe that such a move would silence the only impartial mechanism currently providing visibility to the grave human rights situation in the country and would further entrench impunity.

The principles of sovereignty and non-interference in a state’s internal affairs do not free states from their obligations under international human rights law. The lack of consent of the country concerned to resolutions of the HRC should not be used to escape international scrutiny. The absence of domestic accountability mechanisms and the lack of cooperation by the Eritrean authorities with international human rights bodies underscore the importance of maintaining this mandate.

We remain deeply concerned by the persistent and well-documented human rights violations in Eritrea, as outlined in the recent report of the Special Rapporteur, presented on June 16, to the Human Rights Council. These included widespread arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture, suppression of fundamental freedoms, and the indefinite national service system which continues to have devastating impacts on the lives of peoples and contributes to mass displacement.

Albania continues to consider the mandate of the Special Rapporteur of crucial importance, despite the lack of consent and cooperation by Eritrea, the country concerned. We believe the Special rapporteur work is essential to support victims and ensure sustainable push for accountability and reform in the context where no domestic avenues for justice  or redress exist.

Finally, Albania will vote against the draft- resolution presented by Eritrea, and we urge all Member State to do the same.

I thank you.