NEWS: Schiff Joins Durbin and Coons in Introducing Resolution Recognizing Decades-Long Human Rights Abuses in Eritrea

Resolution calls for basic political freedoms and release of political prisoners

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) joined Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) in introducing a resolutionrecognizing decades-long human rights abuses in Eritrea, including indefinite imprisonment, inhumane prison conditions, and expressing support for the rights and freedom of the Eritrean people.

"The people of Eritrea have faced decades-long abuses of power, including indefinite and unlawful detentions, religious persecution, and torture. We must continue to stand up for the Eritrean people who seek democratic governance and freedom of the press, association, expression and religion," said Senator Schiff.

"The Eritrean people have endured widespread human rights abuses for decades, without freedom of the press, free speech, or functioning democratic institutions," said Senator Durbin. "The country hasn't held a national election since 1993 and President Afwerki maintains a repressive grip on Eritrean society through the use of arbitrary detention, mass surveillance, and control over religious and civic organizations-severely suppressing the rights and freedoms of his people, including those provided for in the country's 1997 Constitution. This resolution is simple: the United States Senate recognizes the human rights abuses in Eritrea and the Eritrean people's aspiration for democratic governance and freedom. We will continue drawing attention to these horrific conditions."

"More than three decades ago, the world watched in awe as the people of Eritrea stood up for freedom and democracy - voting to become their own nation and set their own path," said Senator Coons. "In the years since, President Afwerki has plundered that hope, subjecting millions to a campaign of disappearances, imprisonment, and torture. We must condemn these horrific human rights abuses and stand up for the people of Eritrea who deserve the freedoms they were promised."

Specifically, the resolution:

• Condemns the Government of Eritrea's systemic human rights violations and abuses, which include arbitrary and indefinite detention, religious persecution, and torture;
• Calls on the Government of Eritrea to-release all unjustly and arbitrarily detained political prisoners; provide for the human rights and fundamental freedoms called for in its Constitution; provide an opportunity for the Eritrean people to democratically choose their leaders; and allow the United Nations Special Rapporteur to access the country;
• Stands with the Eritrean people in their aspiration for democratic governance, dignity, and freedom; and
• Welcomes the prospect of stronger ties with Eritrea as the country takes meaningful steps to open its political system and advance human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Full text of the resolution is available here.

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