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Eritrea: Deaths in Custody

Volume 689: debated on Monday 26 February 2007

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ask the German presidency of the European Union to make representations to the Government of Eritrea about the cause of the death in custody of Mr Fessehaye Yohannes at Eiraeiro on 11 January, and of the deaths of the other eight prisoners who have died at that camp since the beginning of 2005. [HL2055]

The UK remains deeply concerned about Eritrea's human rights record and about the reported death of Fessehaye Yohannes. The detention without charge by the Eritrean Government of members of minority religious groups, journalists, leading political figures and members of civil society is unacceptable and contravenes international human rights agreements to which Eritrea is a party.

On 14 February, our ambassador in Asmara expressed the UK's concern at reports of Fessehaye Yohannes' death in custody to the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UK is in close touch with the German presidency of the EU, and our other EU partners, on this and other human rights issues in Eritrea.

We make our concerns about the human rights situation in Eritrea known to the Eritrean Government whenever possible. We will continue to remind Eritrea of its human rights obligations, including through the EU political dialogue with Eritrea.