The EU Ambassador to Eritrea, hosted a reception to celebrate Human Rights Day

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’

On 10 December, 2019, the EU Ambassador to Eritrea, Gabor Iklody hosted a reception to celebrate Human Rights Day, the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. In his introduction he stressed: The protection and promotion of human rights are enshrined in the EU treaties; they are an obligation – but they are in fact a lot more than that: they are an essential, core part of Europe’s identity – and they are also part of our collective, global identity. Human Rights are universal – it means that they are matters of common, legitimate concern; standing up for them is a responsibility that binds us all”.

Leading up to Human Rights Day, the recent commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and events organised around the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence against women have kept human rights very much in focus over the past weeks. A short documentary illustrating what had actually been done during the 16 days was aired during the evening.

The EU Ambassador welcomed Eritrean Government’s intent to implement a large number of human rights recommendations it had accepted in the relevant mechanism of the UN Human Rights Council, which the EU stands ready to support in the spirit of partnership. Getting progress certified through the UPR process builds trust. Even more importantly, it helps advance human rights in the interest of the Eritrean population.

The event was attended by Ministers, high level Government officials, heads of diplomatic missions and international organisations.